Registration for the new “Frischluftstall” and “Auslauf” schemes is now open. Pig, chicken and turkey fattening farms are eligible to participate. The existing Animal Welfare Initiative scheme remains unchanged and is now called ‘Stall plus Platz’.

The new “Frischluftstall” and “Aslauf” schemes meet the criteria for Levels 3 and 4 of the housing type labelling scheme, respectively, but in some respects exceed the minimum requirements for these housing types. The ITW schemes build on one another, meaning that eligibility to supply under a higher-level scheme requires prior eligibility under the lower-level scheme

The same basic requirements, which are already known, must be met in every scheme. In pig rearing, these include, in addition to the basic criteria, roughage and pen layout. To qualify for the Open-Air Housing scheme, in addition to the basic requirements, criteria such as increased space allowance and additional requirements regarding outdoor environmental stimuli must be met. For the “Frischluftstall” programme, an outdoor area must also be available, and there are specific requirements regarding floor conditions and resting areas. For “Frischluftstall” and “Auslauf”, there is an additional ‘Feeding’ criterion as an add-on module. This must be implemented for classification under the housing type label. Otherwise, the products cannot be labelled with the housing type in addition to the ITW seal. The definition of regional feed is currently still being developed.

In poultry fattening, measures include maintaining footpad health, twilight phases and structuring the housing environment through raised levels. To qualify for the “Fresh Air House”Frischluftstall” programme, in addition to the basic requirements, for example, more space, additional enrichment materials and the opportunity for outdoor climate stimulation must be provided. For the “Auslauf” programme, an outdoor run must also be available, and there are specific requirements, for example regarding feeding.

The following applies to all: QS supplier authorisation is an important prerequisite for participation.

Fattening farms already participating in the scheme can switch to a higher-level programme if they wish. In doing so, they must specify a start date to their coordinator, from which point the new or additional criteria will be implemented. For both switching programmes and new registrations, you will find the declaration of participation in our downloads section, which you must complete together with your coordinator. Naturally, switching to another programme is only possible following a successful audit.

For the rearing of chickens, turkeys and pigs, the “Stall plus Platz” scheme continues to provide a recommendation regarding the level of the price premium. For the “Frischluftstall” and “Auslauf” schemes, as well as for turkey rearing and Peking duck rearing (ITW ‘Stall plus Platz’ scheme), there is no recommendation regarding the level of the price premium. The amount of the price premium is freely negotiated between the livestock farmer and their buyer.

If you need help navigating the resources offered by the Animal Welfare Initiative, we are happy to answer any questions you may have. You may well find the information you are looking for in the comprehensive questionnaires for pig farmers and poultry farmers.