Spain: Important Step Against Factory Farming

New Law Against «Megagranjas»

Spain is notorious for its enormous cattle farming operations.

A new law now prohibits further «megagranjas». Animal welfare advocates celebrate the decision while still voicing criticism.

It is “a very good piece of news not only for our village of Noviercas, but for all of Europe,” says Armando Pérez Ruiz with visible satisfaction. The Spanish left-wing government quietly passed a decree over the holiday period, largely unnoticed by the general public, that factory farming on a large scale. In future, only farms with up to 850 dairy cows will be permitted. This serves climate,environmental– and animal protection.

Greenpeace and the association of small and medium-sized farmers (Coag) demanded a maximum capacity of 180 units from the government.

Europe’s Largest Macrogranja Prevented

Pérez lives as a farmer growing grain and is the spokesperson for a citizens’ initiative fighting against the so-called macrogranjas. The law “strengthens small and medium-sized farmers and protects the environment,” says Pérez.

In Noviercas, a macrogranja with 23’520 cows was to be built on an area slightly larger than half of Berlin’s Tiergarten. It would have been the largest in Europe and number 5 in the world. Opponents fear for nature, water, and air quality.

“Now the facility cannot be built,” says Pérez. This is because all projects that did not already have all building permits in place by April 2022 fall under the new law. The expansion of existing large-scale operations will also no longer be possible in future.

In Spain, approximately 900 million animals are slaughtered each year, 58 million of which are pigs, but rabbits, chickens, lambs, and cows are also killed. 66% of agricultural land is used for the production of animal feed.

You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose compassion on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan.