The last Flemish mink farms have also decided to close earlier. The final three fur animal breeders will also take advantage of the higher financial compensation rather than waiting for the compulsory closure at the end of 2023.
This brings an early end to fur farming in Flanders. Previously, eleven other mink breeders had already decided to stop prematurely. Only one of the agricultural businesses wishes to continue in another form; all others will cease completely.
In 2018, Belgium announced a ban on fur farms and forced feeding. Those businesses had to end their activities by the end of 2023 at the latest. The only remaining producer of foie gras in Flanders is also making use of the same arrangement, according to the newspaper De Standaard.
Those who wanted to continue breeding until the end would receive minimal compensation. The anticipated compensation was reduced by 10 percent each year, and by 20 percent in 2022 and 2023. No company therefore 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 reimbursement of direct and indirect costs.
The closure procedure can last a maximum of sixteen months. Until then, mink farmers can reverse their decision.
"I am glad that the companies do not necessarily want to continue until the bitter end and now accept the decision we made in Flanders," says Flemish Environment Minister Weyts.
Animal rights organizations also responded positively that breeding for fur will end even before the end of 2023.