On 30 June 2025 MEP Carlo Fidanza (ECR) presented a draft report to the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI), outlining a strategy to safeguard the future of the EU livestock sector. The report addresses food security, farmers’ resilience, and challenges such as animal diseases, climate pressures and global competition.
Livestock farming remains a cornerstone of the EU’s food systems and rural economy. It provides high-quality protein and nutrients for balanced diets, sustaining agricultural output and employment, and it delivers essential environmental services like landscape management, carbon sequestration, and water regulation. As the world’s second largest meat producer and the top milk producer, the EU plays a vital global role. Global demand for animal protein is expected to rise significantly by 2050, reinforcing the sector’s long-term relevance.
Yet, the report paints a sobering picture. Livestock populations are declining, as well as consumption of meat and dairy – except for poultry. Many farmers, facing economic difficulties, more demanding environmental rules and limited incentives for generational renewal, are exiting the sector. High production costs and rising regulatory demands on emissions and animal welfare further strain competitiveness. Consumers increasingly demand higher welfare standards, contributing to a shift toward less intensive models. Animal diseases like African swine fever and avian influenza, exacerbated by climate change, pose serious threats, while antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to spread. The expansion of large carnivores imposes costs on pastoralism and threatens coexistence.
The rapporteur welcomes the Commission’s “Vision for Agriculture and Food” and proposes establishing a High Level Group on livestock to develop a coordinated, multidimensional response. Recognising the diversity of EU livestock farming models in Europe – from small-scale free-range farms to large specialised operations – it calls for tailored policy approaches. This diversity strengthens resilience and should be actively promoted.
Increasing productivity and efficiency is critical to meeting Europe’s food needs without compromising sustainability. The rapporteur argues against drastic restructuring of the sector and instead recommends optimizing production and emissions through genetic improvements, smart practices and better use of resources. Ensuring stable, fair incomes and better working conditions, especially in mountainous and disadvantaged areas, is also highlighted as key to maintain rural vitality, supporting employment and preserving cultural heritage.
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) remains essential to supporting the livestock sector. The report calls for the CAP budget to be preserved in real terms, ensuring continued coupled support for ruminants without extra environmental conditions, and updating reference prices for market interventions. A transitional period is urged for any new support schemes post-2027, in recognition of the importance of CAP subsidies to livestock incomes, especially in beef and dairy farming. Start-up support for young farmers, gender-inclusive measures, and improved access to land and finance are seen as essential to attract new entrants. The forthcoming EU bio-economy strategy should recognise the circular role of livestock and promote by-product use through rendering.
On land management, the report underscores the importance of grassland-based systems to biodiversity, water quality, and carbon storage. Integrating crop and livestock production enhances nutrient recycling and soil health. The rapporteur urges faster approval of alternative fertilisers like digestate and RENURE, and revision of the Nitrates Directive to reflect scientific progress. More investment in manure-based fertilizers and biogas infrastructure is critical to reach climate and energy goals. One-size-fits-all livestock reduction strategies risk environmental degradation, land abandonment, and biodiversity loss, and must be avoided.
Science-based policymaking is a central theme. The report stresses the need for transparent, evidence-based communication to counter misinformation and ensure a balanced view of livestock’s contributions and challenges. EU dietary guidelines must remain grounded in science, recognising the nutritional, cultural, and economic role of meat, dairy, and eggs, and avoiding the blanket promotion of nutritionally inferior substitutes. New food technologies like cellular agriculture must undergo rigorous safety, environmental, and market assessments to ensure they do not undermine traditional systems.
The socio-economic impact of animal diseases remains high. The report calls for improved monitoring and faster support mechanisms, integrating prevention, early detection, vaccination, and enhanced biosecurity. It is key to ensure collaboration among EU institutions, industry, and global partners. Compensation schemes and financial support across the supply chain during outbreaks are vital. Welcoming the Commission’s CAP simplification package, the rapporteur recommends expanding risk management tools like insurance and mutual funds.
Addressing trade challenges, the report stresses that EU producers operate under stricter environmental and animal welfare standards than their international counterparts, which makes reciprocity in trade agreements essential. It calls for enforcement of import controls and inclusion of equivalent standards in all trade deals. Strengthening EU promotion policies for agricultural products, including animal-based goods and geographical indications (GIs) is key to ensuring quality, traceability, and rural development. Accurate labelling – especially against misleading “European-sounding” branding – is needed to protect consumer trust and transparency.
Lastly, the draft report highlights the need for continued support to help farmers meet EU standards and avoid the relocation of production to countries with weaker environmental and welfare regulations. A strong, sustainable EU livestock sector is indispensable for food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental stewardship in the years ahead.
Next Steps:
The AGRI Committee is expected to review amendments and hold a vote on the report by early August 2025. A final version will then move to the European Parliament plenary for debate and vote in the autumn. Meanwhile, the LiveNet project continues to contribute to EU policy objectives by fostering a strong, EU-wide network of livestock advisors, accelerating knowledge sharing, and promoting the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices in livestock production across Europe.
