Aufsatz in einer Fachzeitschrift
Livestock production in Germany - perspectives seen from the production side
Details zur Publikation
Autor(inn)en: | Sundrum, A. |
Publikationsjahr: | 2005 |
Zeitschrift: | Berichte über Landwirtschaft |
Seitenbereich: | 14-32 |
Jahrgang/Band : | 83 |
Erste Seite: | 14 |
Letzte Seite: | 32 |
ISSN: | 2196-5099 |
eISSN: | 0005-9080 |
Zusammenfassung, Abstract
Compared to international standards, the competitiveness of livestock production in Germany is limited due to a high number of small farms and a high diversity as well as a high variation in the conditions of production. This diversity and variation raise the question to whether a one-sided strategy that focuses primarily on the minimisation of production costs is accurate to generate the potential of the additional value in the context of production and marketing of animal products.
This paper deals with the advantages and disadvantages of different local factors in relation to the competitiveness of livestock production. Furthermore, the three most relevant strategies for added value are discussed with regard to their potentials and limitations. These are minimising production costs by intensification, production of high product and process qualities and organic livestock production. Special attention is paid to the limitations of animal production on the farm level.
Due to the diversity and the variation in individual conditions of competition and production, it can be concluded that the one-sided strategy of minimising production costs is not suited on its own to reach the goal. This strategy exceeds the marginal productivity when economical advantages are exhausted by undesirable side-effects such as an increase in animal health disorders, environmental damage or a reduction in the taste of animal products. Exceeding the undesirable side-effects can provoke a reduction in the consumer's purchase and can threaten to jeopardize the purchasing power of the local market.
An increase in diversification of products is recommended by the means of defined product and process qualities. This enlarges the diversity of animal products for heterogeneous consumer groups and provides better options for the single farm to make it possible to adapt to the demands of a graded production of quality.
In this context, the assessment and remuneration of additional values in relation to product and process qualities by means of the production method or by procedural measures are not validated and justified. In contrast, a result-oriented and evidence-based proof on the farm level is necessary to regain confidence and credibility of the consumers and to minimise distortion of competition. The sooner livestock production in Germany faces the diversity and the multiple challenges on level of farm and down-stream sectors, the better it will be able to set the course to provide an economical and sustainable base for as high as possible a number of remaining farms. With regard to the outlined problems, an ongoing process without modification can be expected to provide perspective only for a comparable low number of livestock farms.
Compared to international standards, the competitiveness of livestock production in Germany is limited due to a high number of small farms and a high diversity as well as a high variation in the conditions of production. This diversity and variation raise the question to whether a one-sided strategy that focuses primarily on the minimisation of production costs is accurate to generate the potential of the additional value in the context of production and marketing of animal products.
This paper deals with the advantages and disadvantages of different local factors in relation to the competitiveness of livestock production. Furthermore, the three most relevant strategies for added value are discussed with regard to their potentials and limitations. These are minimising production costs by intensification, production of high product and process qualities and organic livestock production. Special attention is paid to the limitations of animal production on the farm level.
Due to the diversity and the variation in individual conditions of competition and production, it can be concluded that the one-sided strategy of minimising production costs is not suited on its own to reach the goal. This strategy exceeds the marginal productivity when economical advantages are exhausted by undesirable side-effects such as an increase in animal health disorders, environmental damage or a reduction in the taste of animal products. Exceeding the undesirable side-effects can provoke a reduction in the consumer's purchase and can threaten to jeopardize the purchasing power of the local market.
An increase in diversification of products is recommended by the means of defined product and process qualities. This enlarges the diversity of animal products for heterogeneous consumer groups and provides better options for the single farm to make it possible to adapt to the demands of a graded production of quality.
In this context, the assessment and remuneration of additional values in relation to product and process qualities by means of the production method or by procedural measures are not validated and justified. In contrast, a result-oriented and evidence-based proof on the farm level is necessary to regain confidence and credibility of the consumers and to minimise distortion of competition. The sooner livestock production in Germany faces the diversity and the multiple challenges on level of farm and down-stream sectors, the better it will be able to set the course to provide an economical and sustainable base for as high as possible a number of remaining farms. With regard to the outlined problems, an ongoing process without modification can be expected to provide perspective only for a comparable low number of livestock farms.
