The German poultry industry opposes increasing VAT on meat products

Funds generated by the proposed tax increase will be used to restructure the livestock industry.

ZDG President Friedrich-Otto Ripke believes that the intended use of funds collected in this way is “legally impossible” in the current circumstances. He also called on the federal government to have an "honest debate" about the future of livestock farming.

Ripke explained: “FederalAgriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir must be honest: the VAT increase will affect all MEAT buyers, but will currently only benefit pig farmers in terms of financing. Therefore, long-term and legally guaranteed financing for the restructuring of the entire livestock system is impossible – especially since half of the VAT revenues are distributed to municipalities in accordance with the budget law, and the Bundestag must annually approve the federal budget.”