MEPs call for new EU measures to strengthen and sustain livestock farming

A wide, science-based livestock strategy that supports farmers and rural communities

Robust budget support and more innovation to strengthen the sector’s economic and environmental sustainability

Stronger action on animal diseases, fairer trade conditions and evidence-based food policies

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

On Wednesday, Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee adopted a series of proposals to boost productivity and efficiency in the livestock sector, by 40 votes in favour and 8 against.

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, modelled on the high-level group on wine policy, 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.

Quote

Rapporteur, Carlo Fidanza (ECR, IT) 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. Today, we face a turning point: rising costs and shifting consumption patterns threaten the very fabric of livestock farming across our continent. 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".

Background

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, reinforcing the sector’s long-term relevance. Despite this, the EU livestock sector is facing mounting economic, environmental, and social pressures. Livestock populations are declining, as are meat and dairy consumption levels, except for poultry. Many farmers are exiting the sector owing to economic difficulties, a lack of generational renewal, and insufficiently attractive prospects.

Next steps

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