Article 33 of the Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 provides for measures under animal welfare. Article 33 (2) provides that any payments shall be granted annually and shall compensate farmers for all or part of the additional costs and income foregone resulting from the welfare commitment made.
Where necessary, these costs may also cover transaction costs to the value of up to 20% of the premium paid for the animal welfare commitments.
In relation to costs eligible under animal welfare measures, only the cost of actions that go above and beyond any minimum regulatory requirements or normal husbandry practises may be deemed eligible. Any costs associated with practises carried out as part of normal husbandry practises are therefore not eligible.