Austria seeks EU exception for fallow deer farming

The Austrian National Council's Agriculture Committee has rejected an FPÖ motion seeking exceptions to the EU ban on keeping fallow deer (Sikawild). However, Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig clarified that the parliamentary rejection does not affect the legal process already underway at the European level. The Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environment has submitted an exception request to the European Commission, involving 203 registered businesses. The outcome of this request will determine the future of these family farms and regional wildlife marketing.

In a separate matter, the Agriculture Committee approved a coalition initiative from the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, supported by the Greens, aimed at strengthening agriculture and water resources against drought and extreme weather events. This initiative focuses on research, resilient farming practices, and the long-term security of water resources to ensure food supply and biodiversity. Other opposition motions regarding silage, pesticide use, and organic farming were postponed.