Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Abolishing grazing requirement for cows sparks protest

The right of dairy cows to graze outdoors should be abolished. This is proposed by the government's investigator. The proposal sparks criticism from both researchers and the general public. I had wished that science was as well represented as the agricultural sector in the investigation, says Lina Göransson, veterinarian and researcher at SLU.

» Updated: 03 October 2024, 10:42

» Published: 17 September 2024

Abolishing grazing requirement for cows sparks protest
Photo: Christine Olsson/TT

On Tuesday afternoon, several animal rights, environmental, and consumer organizations submitted a petition to the government with over 110,000 signatures. They want Swedish dairy cows to retain their statutory right to graze outdoors during the summer.

The governing parties agree that the competitiveness of Swedish food production should be strengthened. Recently, the commissioned inquiry on the subject was presented. It proposes, among other things, a change to the right to outdoor grazing for dairy cows in loose housing indoors.

"Not scientifically based"

We believe that the proposal is not based on scientific evidence, says Lina Göransson, a veterinarian who researches animal environment and health at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU.

Together with 20 other researchers in the field, the majority from SLU, she criticizes the inquiry in a debate article in Svd.

I am fascinated by how many times the investigator points out that there are large knowledge gaps and that more research is needed, but still draws the conclusion that abolishing the grazing requirement would not negatively affect animal welfare, says Lina Göransson and continues:

At the same time, it doesn't even hold true, because there is a lot of research on grazing and animal welfare for cows.

In the debate article, the researchers point out that cows on pasture move more than in loose housing indoors, and have better opportunities to lie down, get up, and stretch out unhindered, as well as to perform normal social behaviors.

The government's decision is pending

What the government's proposal will be remains to be seen after a referral round.

It will have to take its course before we see where we will end up, says Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren (KD).

The Christian Democrats want to modernize the grazing requirement, and instead compensate farmers who have their cows outdoors with compensation similar to many European countries.

What do you think about a large group of researchers in the field believing that the inquiry commissioned by the government is not based on science?

That's what we should analyze. I know that the inquiry has hired researchers to review the scientific basis for this area. But we will review it just like we will review all other parts, says Peter Kullgren.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Dropped investigation against Jomshof for hate crime
1 MIN READ

Dropped investigation against Jomshof for hate crime

The Government Extends Border Control
1 MIN READ

The Government Extends Border Control

Suspicions of Terrorism Against Swedes to be Tried in Copenhagen
2 MIN READ

Suspicions of Terrorism Against Swedes to be Tried in Copenhagen

Two students stabbed at school in Hallsberg
2 MIN READ

Two students stabbed at school in Hallsberg

Unannounced visits, a new weapon against benefit fraud
2 MIN READ

Unannounced visits, a new weapon against benefit fraud

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark
2 MIN READ

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support
2 MIN READ

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support

Suspects Released After School Operation
1 MIN READ

Suspects Released After School Operation

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims
1 MIN READ

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"
2 MIN READ

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"

Criminal got job as social worker
1 MIN READ

Criminal got job as social worker

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås
1 MIN READ

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors
1 MIN READ

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht
1 MIN READ

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study
1 MIN READ

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed
1 MIN READ

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan
1 MIN READ

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year
2 MIN READ

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump
2 MIN READ

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"
3 MIN READ

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"