Germany wants higher VAT on meat

There is currently a political discussion going on in Germany about whether or not to increase the VAT rate on meat. The current VAT rate on meat is 7%. This could be increased to 19%. The approach to this adjustment is animal welfare. The proceeds would have to finance livestock farmers in order to be able to invest in higher animal welfare requirements.

The political left and centre are in favour of this increase. However, the right does not like it. The SPD (left) even wants meat producers and food chains to contribute to animal welfare.

The Left is against the VAT increase. The party does not believe that less fortunate sections of the population should contribute to animal welfare. The right-wing parties foresee that this increase could push German producers out of the market. As a result, production in countries that apply lower standards will be strengthened. According to the German Farmers' Association (DBV), the climate and animal welfare will not be served if German farmers continue to invest.