Requirements for Poultry Farms: more than just a written set of rules

The prevalent claim that large-scale poultry farming inevitably harms the environment and releases excessive waste is a misconception. In reality, it is possible to operate poultry farms in an environmentally sustainable manner and in full compliance with regulations—an objective that European poultry farmers persistently strive to achieve.

Environmental responsibility is a pillar of the EU’s sustainability agenda. Only by respecting nature and minimising environmental harm can we safeguard resources for future generations. While poultry farming, like any other form of livestock production, generates waste and by-products that could affect the environment, the industry does not ignore these risks and actively mitigates potential harm through various measures.

EU Environmental Requirements for the Poultry Industry

Most of the issues concerning the prevention of environmental pollution in livestock production, including poultry farming, are regulated by the European Parliament’s
2010 Directive on industrial emissions. The principle of “Best Available Technology” (BAT), which all poultry farms must follow, governs waste management and the emission of pollutants, slaughterhouses and processing facilities. This represents one of the EU’s legal frameworks aimed at promoting the protection of the natural environment.

The Directive aims to:

• Introduce legal mechanisms enforcing the prevention of emissions or minimising the environmental impact of industrial facilities;
• Establish uniformed environmental protection standards across the European Union to reduce inequalities among market participants in international trade that could arise without such regulations.

The Requirement for an Integrated Permit

These legal requirements are more than just a written set of rules. Every IPPC-type (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) installation – including poultry farms, slaughterhouses and processing plants – must obtain an integrated permit. Operating without complying with the environmental protection standards is prohibited and results in an immediate suspension of activities.

The integrated permit specifies various details, including the permissible levels of gas or dust emissions into the air, noise limits, waste handling procedures following the Waste Act and wastewater discharge requirements (if wastewater is released into the sewer system from the installation). It also outlines the terms for water intake. Furthermore, the permit requires the reporting of industrial accidents and outlines the procedures for mitigating environmental damage caused by the facility’s operations.

Minimising the Environmental Impact of Poultry Farming

The most advanced technologies available are being implemented to protect the environment from pollution caused by poultry farming. Waste management primarily involves converting waste into fertilisers using various processing technologies. Another innovative technology is the disposal of biological waste through the carbonisation of dried organic material using microwave energy. Incineration – the thermal disposal of animal waste – is another approved method for eliminating animal-origin pollutants, which, according to EU standards, must occur at temperatures above 850°C. An increasingly popular solution is the installation of biogas plants on poultry farms.

A common issue critics of industrial poultry farming raise is the unpleasant odours generated during production. However, it is not true that the operators of such facilities do not care about minimising discomfort for local residents. It is important to note that during the land acquisition phase for such investments, potential impact on local communities and environmental protection concerns are carefully considered. Existing poultry farms and production plants already employ a range of measures to mitigate unpleasant odours and prevent discomfort for residents in the area, including through proper animal nutrition, the use of microorganisms and planting green belts as buffers between farms or plants and residential areas. Biogas plants also play a role in managing organic waste from poultry farming and production.

When it comes to environmental pollution related to the use of veterinary medicines, strict regulations are enforced, and farmers are obliged to comply with legal requirements to prevent soil and water contamination. Treated poultry are closely monitored during the treatment and withdrawal period when the birds’ bodies cleanse themselves of the administered medications. The supervision also extends to properly handling used bedding and chicken manure. In areas around poultry farms and where manure is used as fertiliser, periodic testing of surface water is carried out.

EU regulations also precisely govern the storage of manure and water used for cleaning poultry barns. Manure can only be spread as fertiliser during designated periods after analysing its composition and considering protective zones. The transport of manure is also strictly regulated. Additionally, various waste disposal and processing technologies are employed, including mechanical separation, pressure sterilisation, aeration, composting, drying, anaerobic fermentation, granulation and incineration. Modern technologies even allow for manure disposal directly on the farms.

Strict oversight

It should be emphasised that EU member states rigorously comply with European regulations. Various institutions ensure that procedures are properly followed and food quality is maintained, with research in this field conducted by certified and reference laboratories. Each organisation has specific competencies that enable monitoring chemical substance use in animal husbandry and food production.

Test results confirm the effectiveness of these measures. Rigorous and regular inspections do not reveal improper use of medication. While isolated cases occasionally arise, relevant authorities respond promptly and effectively, and the poultry industry itself actively addresses any concerns, maintaining full transparency in all testing processes. The ultimate goal of producers is to maintain high standards of food quality and safety.

This article, written by ELV Poland, is based on the expert report “Poultry Farms and Their Environmental Impact” by Elżbieta Sowul-Skrzyńska from the Department of Production Systems and Environment at the National Research Institute of Animal Production, as well as information from KRD-IG.