Commission urges actions to enhance competitiveness of EU livestock farms

The European Commission has unveiled its Vision for Agriculture and Food through 2040, highlighting the vulnerability of EU livestock farming to global competition and market shocks. 

While recognizing EU livestock farmers as global leaders in production standards, the Commission notes that their efforts are not always matched internationally, creating an uneven playing field. To address these challenges, the Vision calls for "targeted, territorial solutions" rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.  

As part of its strategy, the Commission has announced the creation of a dedicated "work stream" focused on livestock farming. 

This initiative aims to strengthen the sector's resilience by improving competitiveness and addressing environmental concerns. The next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will prioritize incentives over regulations, ensuring a more adaptable and supportive framework for farmers.  

The work stream will concentrate on five key areas: identifying challenges such as global competition, establishing fair trade standards for imports, mitigating the climate impact of livestock farming, promoting innovation and investment, and developing sustainable production systems. These measures aim to balance economic viability with environmental sustainability.  

Emphasizing the sector's importance, the Commission states that "livestock is and will remain an essential part of EU agriculture." It underscores the role of sustainable livestock farming in rural economies, biodiversity, and landscape preservation. Through innovation and tailored support, the EU aims to secure the future of its livestock industry while meeting environmental goals.