The last Flemish mink farms have also decided to close earlier. The last three fur farms will also take advantage of the higher financial compensation than if they waited for the mandatory closure at the end of 2023.
This will put an early end to fur farming in Flanders. Earlier, eleven other mink breeders had already decided to close the business early. Only one of the agricultural companies wants to continue in a different form, all the others stop altogether.
In 2018, a ban on fur farms and force-feeding was announced in Belgium. These companies had to cease their activities by the end of 2023 at the latest. The only remaining producer of foie gras in Flanders also makes use of the same scheme, reports De Standaard newspaper.
Those who wanted to continue breeding until the end would receive a minimal compensation. The foreseen compensation was reduced by 10 percent annually, and by 20 percent in 2022 and 2023. No company wants to wait that long.
They receive compensation depending on the size of the company. This compensation is based on the vacancy of the property and compensation for direct and indirect costs.
The closing procedure can take up to sixteen months. Until then, the mink farmer can withdraw from his decision.
“I am pleased that the companies do not necessarily want to continue to the bitter end and now accept the decision we have taken in Flanders,” says Flemish Environment Minister Weyts.
The animal rights organization also responded with satisfaction that fur farming will end before the end of 2023.