EU

Meeting on European livestock farming in Brussels

On 3 October, the round table “ The benefits of sustainable livestock farming for Europe's ecological transition: practical information ” was held at the European Parliament the first of a series of meetings that, with a scientific and non-ideological approach, will technically address the different aspects of European livestock farming.

Posted on Oct 16 ,00:10

Meeting on European livestock farming in Brussels

At the centre of the round table, organised by  Farm Europe, was the theme of  sustainability  (economic, social and environmental)  of European livestock production  as a fundamental lever for an ecological transition of food production systems .

The debate highlighted that aspects such as health, biodiversity, climate and environmental impacts and benefits, economic potential and social fabric are  closely linked to livestock activities and must be fully integrated into European policies for a sustainable future  of Europe. The sector is, however, at the centre of public debate and faces  complex challenges  to safeguard its economic viability, while adapting to growing social and environmental needs.

The relationship between Europeans and meat  was highlighted  through the reasons that drive them to purchase the product. Among the main ones, the  perception that meat is an essential food for a healthy diet  and the pleasure of eating it. In addition, the emphasis was placed on real consumption, in Europe in line with the recommendations of nutritionists and public health organizations.

On  production dynamics  it was highlighted that the demand for products of animal origin remains strong even if there is a decrease in production especially in the bovine sector, with the consequence of resorting to imports. The  European poultry sector  is the only sector for which there is a  growing production .

Profitability, carbon emissions and storage, proper management of natural resources and protection of biodiversity have been framed as the  challenges that livestock farming must face . For a transition to more resilient farming systems,  the need for investments in animal welfare and to reduce dependence on the import of raw materials  for feed (especially protein) has been highlighted  for the poultry sector  .

The European policies of this mandate should  recognize the important role that farmers play in food sovereignty ,  nutrition  and  ecological transition . The  consumer  must also do his part by paying a higher price for more sustainable products but it was also underlined that, in the event of a crisis such as the one generated by the Covid-19 pandemic or the conflict in Ukraine, which inevitably lead to product prices rising,  a large part of European consumers would not be able to absorb the increase in the cost of products .

To address these challenges,  future European policies  must be based on scientific evidence and  take into account the diversity of European farming systems , and ensure investment in research and innovation, necessary to develop new technologies and increasingly sustainable agricultural practices, involving  breeders  and the food industry.

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