Sweden proves: A fur farming ban is cheaper than new EU welfare standards
Phasing out the EU’s fur industry would cost considerably less than introducing new animal welfare regulations. This is shown in a new report which highlights Sweden as a leading example.
The report estimates that a five-year phase-out of all remaining fur farms in the EU would cost approximately €144 million. By comparison, introducing new welfare standards could cost anywhere between €201 million and €920 million, depending on which measures are implemented.
These findings come as the European Commission considers its response to the Fur Free Europe ECI, in which more than 1.5 million EU citizens called for a ban on fur farming and the placing of farmed fur products on the EU market. If the EU chooses to introduce new standards, public funds would be needed not only to support their implementation, but also to sustain an industry that already imposes substantial costs on society.
“The choice is simple. It is better to ban all fur farming once and for all. Not only to get rid of an industry that is cruel to animals, but also to reduce the cost for society. Enough is enough, it is time for an EU-wide ban.”
– Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882
An upcoming ban in Sweden
In Sweden, both fox and chinchilla fur farms were phased out through strict animal welfare legislation, without financial compensation to farmers. More recently, the country's remaining mink farms were closed through a voluntary transition scheme, alongside the government's promise to introduce a formal ban.
A public consultation is currently underway, with government agencies and organisations invited to comment on the proposed legislation. The suggeted fur farming ban is expected to enter into force no later than July 2027.
The new report highlights Sweden as an example on how a phase-out can be successfully implemented. Unlike the recurring costs associated with maintaining the fur industry under stricter welfare regulations, a phase-out represents a one-time expense. Previous research has also estimated that fur farming imposes additional costs on society of around €446 million per year, including environmental damage, resource use, local disamenity, and invasive species.
“Animal welfare standards cannot resolve the fundamental problems associated with keeping animals in wire cages. Citizens have continuously shown strong support for an EU-wide ban, not regulated cages. Policymakers should answer to that call.”
– Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882
New evidence of animal cruelty
New footage from fur farms in Finland, released by Project 1882, shows that severe welfare concerns persist within the industry. The images reveal foxes selectively bred to become unnaturally large. The animals struggle to move and have folds of skin hanging over their eyes. To date, 24 EU member states have banned, partially banned, or begun to phase out fur farming.
Read more
- The report can be found here.
- More reading on the costs of fur farming.
Urge EU to ban fur farming
It is time for the European Commission to act for a ban on fur farming and on imports of fur products.
