FUR FARMING, A SECTOR WITH A EUROPEAN OVERVIEW
In most European countries, fur farming is a relatively small though active part of the livestock-farming sector. The most common fur-bearing animal is mink, followed by fox. They are farmed in Northern, Central and parts of Western Europe. Other species farmed on a smaller scale include nutria, chinchilla, fitch, sable, finn raccoon.
Mink farming was first established in the U.S. in the 19th century, arriving in Europe in the 1920s. Modern fox farming began in North America towards the end of the 19th century and arrived in Europe in 1914. Denmark is the leading producer of mink pelts followed by the Netherlands and then Finland, Sweden, Norway and Germany. Where foxes are concerned Finland is the market leader followed by Norway, Poland and Russia. When we look at the total global annual production of some 25 to 30 million mink pelts and 3 to 5 million fox pelts, Europe accounts for approximately 85% of all fox production and, on average, 70% of all mink production.
In Europe, there are a total of 6000 farms, providing employment for some 30.000 people. It is one of the few agricultural activities which is not protected by intervention or subsidies. The fur trade as a whole employs some 175.000 individuals in Europe. In Nordic countries fur farming often coexists with other forms of agriculture.
First established in 1968, the European Fur Breeders’ Association is the umbrella organisation of fifteen national fur breeders’ associations. EFBA strives towards uniform European fur farming practices based upon the highest standards of care. It acts as an initiator and co-ordinator of new practical, technological and scientific developments.
It seeks to promote awareness and understanding of the European fur-farming sector and to inform its members of new regulatory changes. Member countries maintain personal contact with their own agricultural organisations and national governments. In line with other large agrarian sectors, this collaboration exists both nationally and internationally in such fields as research and regulation. Fur farming is tightly regulated and operates within the strictest standards of care.
In Europe, fur farming is fully in line with the “Recommendation concerning Fur Animals” adopted by the council of Europe’s standing committee of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes. It contains rules for supervision, housing, management, breeding and harvesting. The latest revised Recommendation also specifies pen sizes.