Strategy for the livestock farming of the future in Europe
STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE OF LIVESTOCK FARMING IN EUROPE
The European Union must turn the page on five years of preconceived ideas and an erroneous, pessimistic and negative view of livestock farming. In the face of nutritional, economic, climatic and environmental challenges, ‘Made in Europe’ livestock farming is an opportunity, both for our continent and for the planet. It is the most efficient in the world. In the context of geopolitical tensions, the EU must secure its strategic autonomy more than ever.
It is time for the European Union to resume the pathway of an ambitious strategy for its livestock sector, which can rely on a comprehensive toolbox for consolidating achievements, economic support to better protect and help the sector to bounce back, and targeted investment to meet the challenges and build the livestock sector of the future, capable of permeating all the territories of our continent, from less favoured areas like mountains to intermediate and more productive areas where the complementarity between crop and animal farming is an asset.
Therefore, Farm Europe welcomes the European Commission's commitment to present a specific strategy for European livestock farming. This strategy is a unique opportunity to:
Bring back production. The priority must be to halt the drastic reduction in cattle numbers that has been occurring in several countries for years This trend must be reversed by supporting an increase in numbers, including via coupled payments Only in this way the EU will meet the nutritional needs of Europeans, preserve the biodiversity and vitality of all rural areas, meet the growing expectations globally and contribute to non-food markets. This approach helps to prevent the abandonment of rural areas, especially in more disadvantaged and mountainous regions. By supporting the economic development of these regions, it ensures their social and environmental stability, helping to combat erosion, desertification, and to limit the risks of natural disasters.
Fully optimising the positive benefits of livestock farming, in particular the link to the land through meadows that store carbon in a sustainable way, are reservoirs of biodiversity, or with methanisation and optimisation of carbon cycles as well as the sustainable management of livestock manure The maintenance of livestock farming in areas with limited agronomic potential for field crops must go hand in hand with a redeployment strategy in areas where the loss of profitability in recent years has led to a decline, even though the advantages of mixed farming are well established
Invest and prepare for the future to meet consumer expectations in terms of access to quality ‘Made in Europe’ meat and milk products for all market segments, produced to the highest health and animal welfare standards within the framework of a competitive sector. Investment in the livestock sector of the future must enable it to become more autonomous and more resilient and to optimise its environmental benefits through innovation, the development of zootechnical practices and investment in genetic improvement
STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE OF LIVESTOCK FARMING IN EUROPE
Put an end to the frenzy of standards, leave room for segmentation opportunities that offer greater visibility to stakeholders and encourage the improvement of practices rather than the move upmarket, making ‘Made in Europe’ increasingly inaccessible to all. Stakeholders in the sectors must be able to promote the most advanced practices in terms of the environment or animal welfare over the long term without new norms and regulations and without them becoming the new normal, losing the capacity to grasp added value The fact that EU standards are the highest globally must be recognised
Fully value and contribute to the deployment of the bioeconomy through all coproducts The carbon valorisation chain should cover all livestock products and not just meat or milk The sector contributes significantly to the decarbonisation of entire sectors of the economy and to the strategic autonomy of the EU, particularly in terms of energy and fertilisation
These five basic principles should enable the livestock sector of the future to be economically resilient, to be at the heart of a genuine strategy of European agricultural sovereignty and, finally, to be fully committed to the fight against climate change, to animal welfare and to the protection of natural resources through a real valorisation of its contributions and an optimisation of its impacts, as well as a source of prosperity.
They must also make it possible to build a common and shared vision at the level of the European Union, turning the diversity of the Union's territories and know-how into an asset Finally, they will be a fundamental lever for restoring the attractiveness of livestock sectors to a new generation of livestock farmers who are committed and confident in their future
Beyond the short-term challenges, there are concrete reasons to be confident in the future of the European livestock sector, especially since concrete opportunities exist in the European agenda to lay the foundations for a broad consensus, and to operationalise these orientations by relying on the powerful levers of European public policy and implementing them quickly.
To enable the construction of a solid consensus, we recommend to the European Commission the creation of a High Level Group for European livestock farming which would bring together European officials, representatives of economic actors and representatives of the national ministries and regional authorities most involved in the future of livestock farming in the Union
Such an initiative would not only facilitate the emergence of a consensus, but also enable the development of a precise roadmap for its implementation over the next 5 years, providing the necessary visibility for economic actors shaken by the climate of uncertainty created by the orchestrated and instrumentalised negative campaigns of recent years.
SUSTAINABLE
L'élevage durable, une chance POUR LES CONSOMMATEURS
A CHANCE FOR THE CONSUMERS
L'élevage durable, une chance POUR LES CONSOMMATEURS
PRODUCTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN: RECOGNIZED NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
The daily diet must provide a sufficient quantity of different macro and micro-nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals) to ensure that all of an individual's physiological needs are met
From milk to meat, and more generally animal products, are a concentrated source of some essential nutrients.
Animal products are nutrient dense food and a cornerstone of complete and balanced diets. It is still possible to follow a meat-free diet. However, it presents an increased risk of nutritional imbalances and requires attention and in-depth knowledge about one's diet
While the consumption of meat and milk products has collectively recognised nutritional benefits, there is no clear consensus on the reference quantity to be consumed Most dietary recommendations regarding meat consumption are related to the results of studies associating the consumption of red and processed meat with the development of non-communicable diseases, particularly cancers
Although associations have been measured, these are not evidence of cause and effect Studies indicate that there is a high level of uncertainty regarding the consumption of red and processed meat, and the scale of the risk is assessed as low Studies reveal a high level of residual confusion: a stronger association of mortality with dietary habits than with the consumption of red or processed meat. Other factors related to our lifestyles could have a much greater impact on our health: lifestyle, obesity, etc. In addition, recent studies show that certain plant-based alternatives present risks, particularly for certain categories of the population.
NUTRITIONALIMPORTANCEOFANIMALPRODUCTS
NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES
Based on studies associating red and processed meat with non-communicable diseases, particularly cancers
Summary of the general guidelines of the Federal Food and Nutrition Policy (FBDGs)
Recommendations for limited consumption of red meat in Europe: max 500 g/pers/week
Recommendations in favour of very limited, if any, consumption of processed meat in Europe.
Recommandations that do not limit consumption of poultry.
Recommendations favouring weekly consumption of fish.
It is important to distinguish between correlation and causation: two variables can be correlated without there being a causal relationship.
*NutriRECS
(Bradley C Johnston & al 2019)
“Evidence of low to very low certainty that reducing the consumption of unprocessed red meat may lead to a very small reduction in the risk of mortality.”
“We suggest continuing the current consumption of unprocessed red meat and processed meat (weak recommendation, low-certainty evidence) ’”
STRONG INTERACTIONS BETWEEN MEAT CONSUMPTION, EATING HABITS AND LIFESTYLES
There are close links between levels of meat consumption and certain lifestyles: people in the higher categories of red or processed meat consumption generally consume fewer fruits and vegetables, are more likely to be current smokers and to consume alcohol
REDMEAT (beef,pork,sheep&goat)
MEAT PROCESSED POULTRY FISH
une chance POUR LES CONSOMMATEURS
LES CONSOMMATEURS
SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FARMING, A CHANCE FOR THE CONSUMERS
EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK: A HERITAGE OF GASTRONOMY AND LANDSCAPES TO BE PRESERVED
For centuries, landscapes and lifestyles have been shaped by agricultural practices Livestock farming occupies a key place and gives regions their own identity
Livestock farming is present in almost all regions of Europe, with a wide variety of production systems depending on economic, geographical and so contexts
The ‘landscapes of livestock constitute a real asset in terms of id culture, contributing to the tourist a the economy of the various European
Today, these landscapes represent heritage, threatened by the disappe this activity, particularly the gr ruminants on grass.
The disappearance of livestock fa certain regions historically charact mixed farming is jeopardising the ecological and economic balance. component of bioeconomy sectors, as well as a means of managing the environment and landscapes, livestock farming must be able to continue where it is the only agricultural activity possible and be reinvested in regions where it is or has been placed in a difficult position At the same time, unsustainable livestock farming situations that generate imbalances can be addressed through investment and innovation, based on performance and sustainability
OF THE EUROPEAN UAA IS PERMANENT GRASSLAND
OFTHEPERMANENT GRASSLANDAREA SINCE2000
French, Italian, Dutch and Balkan cheeses, charcuterie and dried meat techniques The official signs of origin and quality (PDO and PGI) illustrate the rich food heritage associated with animal products Their number continues to grow The gastronomic heritage associated with livestock products in Europe is a vector of identities
EuropeanQualityLabels
Products of animal origin represent almost 20% of European labels
Source : Schils. 2022
Source : Schils. 2022
SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FARMING, A CHANCE FOR THE PLANET
EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK
FARMING: LEADER IN CLIMATE EFFICIENCY
According to the European Commission, agriculture accounts for 11% of EU emissions, about 70% of which is related to livestock farming, particularly enteric fermentation (CH4)
These emissions must be viewed in the context of the fundamental role of agriculture in ensuring food security for the population. By way of comparison, the textile industry is responsible for 8% of global GHG emissions. By 2050, this sector could even account for 26% of global emissions.
European livestock farming is one of the most efficient in the world in terms of emissions. The carbon intensity per kg of protein produced is the lowest in the world, thanks to optimised agricultural practices, better resource management and strict environmental standards
Some people are trying to argue that imitation meat grown in a laboratory would reduce the cattle population and the associated emissions This cellular ‘meat’ is promoted by some industrialists as a ‘sustainable alternative’ to conventional livestock farming systems The FAO is now calling on the industry to provide ‘scientific validation’ of these ‘alleged sustainability benefits of cultured meat’. The same applies to ethical issues and those related to the industrial production processes used.
According to some studies, sustainable beef production systems far outperform synthetic meat in terms of environmental benefits. Investments aimed at promoting sustainable livestock systems could lead to greater emission reductions, and more quickly, than any investment in cultured meat.
RELATIVISINGTHEROLEOFLIVESTOCK
The livestock sector is thought to be responsible for 12% of global GHG emissions (Source: FAO, 2023, Pathways towards lower emissions) 12%
The textile sector is responsible for 8% of global GHG emissions (Source: ADEME)
EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK IS THE MOST EFFICIENT IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF EMISSIONS
Emissions Intensity (kg CO2eq /kg protein). Aggregated Production system and Commodity Source : FAO - GLEAM Global greenhouse gas emissions from livestock summary data (2017)**
MEATPRODUCEDINLABORATORIES
Serious doubts about the benefits for the climate
A study* has carried out LCAs of cellular meat production: lab-grown meat could emit 10 to 60 times more CO2 than conventional European beef in the short term.
The authors of the study emphasise that these results are likely to represent a “minimal environmental impact” due to the “preliminary” nature of the study
European average** Scenario values
*Source: Based on data from D Risner & al Environmental impacts of cultured meat: A cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment ** Gleam data (author's estimates: 20g protein/100g beef)
SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FARMING, A CHANCE FOR
THE PLANET
EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK FARMING: KEY PLAYER IN THE OPTIMISATION OF RESOURCES
Livestock farms, based on mixed and pasture systems, make use of resources and land that would otherwise be unusable by humans While, globally, cattle use a gross surface area of 40m² of agricultural land to produce 100g of protein, from the perspective of high value-added land use, the surface areas are reduced to 5m²/100g
These mixed and pasture farms are able to exploit grassy resources and make use of crop residues that are not suitable for human consumption, to produce edible animal proteins with a high nutritional value. These livestock farming systems (mixed and grazing systems) are positive net contributors to the availability of high nutritional quality proteins for humans On the other hand, the EU is largely dependent on imports of products with a high protein content (oil cakes, oilseeds, protein crops), in line with the rise of monogastric livestock farming
88%OFLIVESTOCKFEED unfit for human consumption in the EU
The scientific community estimates that 500-700 litres of water are needed to produce 1 kg of beef. In terms of useful water, estimates are 20 to 50 litres per kg in the French context (INRAE). Furthermore, the irrigation of forage areas is relatively rare in livestock farming ROUGHAGE 1332 Mt 80%
HIGHDEPENDENCYONIMPORTS for products with a high protein content (soy)
Figure - EU28 livestock feed protein balance 2019/2020 Source : European Commission
THEHIGHESTPROTEINEFFICIENCYOF LAND for mixed and pasture systems
MONOGASTRIQUES RUMINANTS
6-7 m2 of Agricultural Land / 100 g / 100 g
40-340 m2 of agricultural land
6-7 m2 of cultivated land* 4-5 m2 of cultivated land*
*Cultivated land with low added value:
*Cultivated land with low added value: cultivated land excluding cultivated land excluding land allocated by simulations to the production of crop residues land allocated by simulations to the production of crop residues and co-products - other than oilseed cakes Agriculture land used and co-products - other than oilseed cakes Agriculture land used for pastures unfit for growing crops for human consumption for pastures, for growing crops human consumption
Rainwater, captured in the soil and evaporated by plants, and which in fact returns to the water cycle, with or without animals
SUSTAINABLE
FARMING,
LIVESTOCK
AN ECONOMIC PILLAR
EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK FARMING:
A DRIVER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND FOR BOOSTING TERRITORIES, IN CRISIS
Livestock farming is one of the most structuring activities in rural areas in the European Union (EU). It plays an important economic, territorial and environmental role in many agricultural regions
In 2020, the EU27 had 9 million farms This is 37% less than 15 years earlier, in 2005, according to figures published by Eurostat on 3 April 2023 The number of mixed farming (mixed farming on the graph) has fallen by 60% in 15 years, and specialised livestock farming by 45% The number of farms specialising in crops has also declined, but with a drop of ‘only’ 15% compared to 2005.
European agriculture is experiencing a demographic and economic crisis, which is particularly affecting the livestock sector
The younger generations, who are yet interested in agricultural education according to enrolment figures, are turning away from this sector due to the difficult working conditions, lack of recognition, income and growing economic pressure This trend, coupled with the reduction in aid and increasingly strict environmental requirements, is weakening a sector that is nevertheless essential to the European rural economy
4 MILLION
IN 15 YEARS A DECREASE OF:
OF THE NUMBER OF FARMS SPECIALISING IN LIVESTOCK FARMING -45% -60%
OF THE NUMBER OF MIXED FARMING AND LIVESTOCK FARMS
Bring back production
Fully optimising the positive benefits of livestock farming Invest and prepare for the future
LEVERS OF ACTION
Public and governance levers
Economic and financial levers
High Level Expert Group
Environmental and innovation levers
THREE LEVERS OF ACTION FOR THE LIVESTOCK FARMING OF THE FUTURE
