Lithuania plans to distribute 8.5 million euros in support to nearly 13,000 farms that adhere to higher cattle welfare standards than required by law.
The Lithuanian government has announced the allocation of 8.5 million euros in support aimed at nearly 13,000 farms across the country. This funding is intended for those farms that implement higher cattle keeping standards than mandated by existing legislation. This initiative is part of a broader strategy outlined in the Lithuanian Agricultural and Rural Development Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, which aims to enhance animal welfare and farm sustainability.
In the first support area, related to the provision allowing dairy cattle outdoor grazing during warm months, the average aid per farm is expected to exceed 669 euros. In the second category, which addresses the freedom for cattle to access open spaces or pastures, farms will receive an average of nearly 331 euros. The increase in both funding and the number of qualified farms reflects a significant change in Lithuania's farming practices, where the prioritization of animal wellbeing has been gaining traction, indicating a shift in public policy towards more humane farming practices.
Compared to the previous year, the number of beneficiaries has grown by approximately 1,500 farms, alongside an increase of over 41,000 in the number of livestock for which support has been allocated. The hike in total support allocation by over 1 million euros from 2024 underscores the government’s commitment to improving livestock welfare and highlights a notable trend in Lithuanian agriculture towards meeting and exceeding animal welfare expectations.
