The Agriculture Committee of the EU is calling for stronger support for the EU livestock sector in the face of economic, environmental and social pressures.

Today (Wednesday, March 18), the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee adopted a series of proposals to boost productivity and efficiency in the livestock sector.

These proposals include:

A comprehensive and research-driven strategy, focusing on precision farming, innovation, and improved productivity and sustainability;
Measures to safeguard common agricultural policy (CAP) budgets in real terms to keep the same level of financial support for livestock farmers;
Efforts to ensure that EU standards on animal welfare, health, and environmental performance are reflected in all trade agreements;
Stronger promotion of EU livestock products abroad, via clearer labelling practices and protection of geographical indications;
The creation of a high-level group on livestock to develop tailored solutions while respecting regional diversity;
Positioning of EU livestock as a cornerstone of a sustainable bioeconomy, ensuring that productivity, innovation and competitiveness go hand in hand;
Enhanced EU coordination in vaccination strategies, early detection systems, and data sharing, including a centralised vaccination data bank and compensation schemes for farmers affected by outbreaks.

Rapporteur, MEP Carlo Fidanza said: "Europe’s livestock sector is not only the backbone of our food security and rural economy, it is a cornerstone of our identity, culture, and environment.

"We must act decisively to keep the sector viable, competitive, and inclusive.

"That means supporting our farmers, rewarding sustainability, and building policies grounded in science. A strong and innovative EU livestock sector is essential for our food sovereignty and the vitality of rural Europe," she added.

EU farming

As the world’s second largest meat producer and leading milk producer, the EU maintains a strong global position in the sector, with livestock playing a vital role in supplying high-quality protein and nutrients for balanced diets.

Global demand for animal protein is expected to rise significantly by 2050.

Despite this, the EU livestock sector is said to be facing mounting economic, environmental, and social pressures.

The resolution on European livestock now needs to be voted by the European Parliament as a whole, possibly during the April session.