The situation concerning the large-scale dairy farm in Caparroso, Spain

Question for written answer  E-001897/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left)

A number of organisations and NGOs such as Greenpeace have repeatedly criticised one of Spain’s largest dairy farms located in Caparroso, Navarre, where animals are subject to degrading treatment while enclosed in tiny individual hutches. With manure seeping into the nearby river Aragón, the farm is also harming the environment and water quality. The slurry pit does not prevent leaks, and as a result, the countryside along the Aragón river bank and in the surrounding areas is gradually becoming more polluted.

It has recently been announced that the large-scale dairy farm in Caparroso will be able to double its activity, from 3 500 to 7 200 cows, thanks to the latest licence granted by the Navarre authorities. The environmental impact of the farm will therefore also double.

With this in mind:

• 1.Is the Commission aware of the proven cases of malpractice at this large-scale farm? What is the Commission’s stance on them?
• 2.Does the Commission think that these kinds of farming facilities and models are compatible with the Green Deal?
• 3.Does the licence issued by the Government of Navarre comply with the current European legislation on animal treatment, animal welfare and waste treatment? Does it also comply with the legislation on livestock farming facilities like the one in Caparroso?