The European Commission (EC) has reaffirmed the crucial role of sustainable livestock in the EU economy in its newly released document, Vision for Agriculture and Food. This strategic report highlights the sector’s significance while acknowledging the challenges it faces and outlining future policy directions.
Challenges in the Livestock Sector
The document underscores that the EU livestock sector is particularly vulnerable to market shocks and global competition. Due to the EU’s high production standards, European farmers are held to stringent requirements, making them world leaders in quality and sustainability. However, these efforts are not always matched globally, placing European producers at a competitive disadvantage.
Additionally, meeting these high standards incurs significant costs, which are not consistently rewarded by the market. As a result, the EC recognizes the need for targeted support to maintain the sector’s viability.
The Role of Sustainable Livestock
Livestock farming remains an essential component of EU agriculture, contributing to economic stability, rural development, and environmental conservation. According to the document, sustainable livestock is vital for maintaining rural landscapes and ensuring the cohesion of agricultural communities.
The EC emphasizes that a long-term vision is necessary for the sector, one that respects the diverse agricultural practices across Europe. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, tailored solutions must be developed to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.
Strategic Policy Measures
To strengthen the sector, the EC proposes creating favorable conditions for an excellence livestock production chain. As part of this initiative, the Commission will launch a dedicated work stream to explore various policy pathways, including:
- Sector Diagnosis: Identifying key challenges, particularly in global competition.
- Appropriate Tools & Reciprocity Measures: Introducing fair trade policies and support mechanisms where necessary.
- Environmental Considerations: Developing strategies to mitigate the sector’s climate impact while validating the role of livestock in preserving biodiversity and valuable grasslands.
Investment, Innovation, and Sustainable Practices
The document highlights the importance of investment in technological advancements and innovative production models to ensure sustainability. This will lay the groundwork for a toolbox of targeted measures aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing environmental performance.
Under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the EC will explore ways to assist farmers in cutting greenhouse gas emissions from livestock activities. A key focus will be on improving nutrient management and promoting circular farming practices to minimize synthetic fertilizer use.
“The management and control of nutrients from livestock farming are essential to mitigating negative environmental impacts, supporting extensification in high-livestock-density regions, and enhancing nutrient circularity,” the document states.
A Sustainable Future for EU Livestock
By implementing these targeted strategies, the EC aims to create a resilient and competitive livestock sector that aligns with both economic and environmental objectives. Through innovation, policy adaptation, and sustainable practices, the EU seeks to reinforce livestock farming as a cornerstone of its agricultural and rural economy.
