BILLA in conversation at CHS Villach - meat consumption in transition

Under the leadership of Iris Straßer, initiator and head of the network "Show Responsibility!", representatives from agriculture, consumer protection, trade and animal welfare discussed with students and teachers of the CHS Villach about changing demands on meat production and the challenges to meet them. Beforehand, the students had the opportunity to see for themselves what goes on in practice during farm visits.

"We see that animal welfare is becoming increasingly important for consumers. That's why we are the only food retailer in Austria to have converted all our service counters offering meat and sausage to 100% animal welfare quality this March," said Kurt Aschbacher, Billa Sales Director Carinthia.

"We are a strong partner of domestic agriculture and rely on close cooperation with farmers," explains Andreas Steidl, head of Billa's animal welfare programs. The conversion to animal welfare barns - which offer more space for each animal, natural daylight, and opportunities for exercise - is associated with high investment costs and thus risks for the farmers. BILLA supports the farms with long-term purchase contracts, among other things. The housing conditions in Austria are good compared to the EU, but there is still potential for improvement, the panelists agreed.