Strategy for the livestock farming of the future in Europe

STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE OF LIVESTOCK FARMING IN EUROPE çaise

THE EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK FARMING SECTOR, A CHANCE... +13 kg

...FOR THE CONSUMERS

16 kg/capita/year

+7,5 kg

MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF GROWING EUROPEAN AND GLOBAL DEMAND

+7 kg

16 kg/capita/year 12 kg/capita/year

Over the next 30 years, a global increase in animal proteins consumption is exptected, combined with an increase in the world’s population, leading to significant increases in production. Animal products provide a healthy and complete diet, with a secure supply of essential nutrients.

+0,1 kg

-0,5 kg

2 kg/capita/year an

9

kg/capita/year

BEEF

SHEEP / GOAT POULTRY

PORK

FISH

World meat consumption and his evolution between 1960 and 2019 in the world.

Source: Based on data from FAOstats.

PRESERVING OUR GASTRONOMIC AND LANDSCAPE HERITAGE, A GUARANTEE OF QUALITY Products of animal origin represent almost 20% of European labels

“Farming landscapes” and our gastronomic heritage are a real asset to Europe’s identity and culture. In the face of global competition, the harmonisation of standards through mirror clauses is essential to guarantee quality agriculture, preserve know-how and the European model.

...FOR THE PLANET ENSURING EUROPEAN LOCAL PRODUCTION IS THE WINNING OPTION FOR THE PLANET

DEFORESTATION EXTRA EU The EU is the second largest importer of tropical deforestation and associated emissions !

If the EU really wants to help reduce its contribution to global emissions, deforestation and biodiversity loss, it is essential to promote sustainable production by encouraging the continuation of production and productivity within the European Union.

European livestock farming is a leader in climate efficiency thanks to optimised farming practices, better management of resources (land, water, animal feed) and strict environmental standards.

Soya - 89 000 ha/year (31%) 32 Mt eqCO2‌/year Beef - 28 000 ha/year (10%) 13 Mt eqCO2/year Deforestation exported from the EU and associated emissions by product category. Source: Author's elaboration based on WWF data The continuing impact of EU consumption on nature worldwide - 2021.

LIVESTOCK : KEY PLAYERS OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Climate Efficiency & Carbon Storage

Biodiversity

Key players in the circular economy Animal well-being

MAKING THE MOST OF THE POWER OF COMPLEMENTARY SYSTEMS To fulfil their roles, European livestock systems need to be able to provide a complementary range of products and services, rather than being driven by the single objective of meat production.

Livestock farming is an essential link in the circular economy, serving Europe's energy and ecological transition.

Enhancing natural resources

...FOR THE ECONOMY

Crop 51%

Animal 40% Value of livestock production:

PRESERVING A STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL PILLAR Our meat and milk producers are a driving force behind employment and regional dynamism. However, the sector is experiencing a demographic crisis (generational renewal), an economic crisis (reduction in subsidies, and high production costs) and an environmental crisis (increasingly stringent requirements) that must be resolved without delay.

€214 billion Figure - Output of the EU agricultural sector 2023. Source : Eurostat Other 9%

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.

STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE OF LIVESTOCK FARMING IN EUROPE Economic and financial levers Stop decapitalisation and reverse this trend, ensuring effective protection of the EU market and ensure full reciprocity of EU standards for imported products.

Reassess and consolidate the agricultural budget to take inflation into account, find new EU funding to overcome the transition costs and international competition.

Secure coupled support for ruminant livestock production without additional environmental conditionalities.

Renovate market interventions with an update of the reference prices for the safeguard clauses, taking into account the new market values, and new market management tools, offering, for example, compensation tools for retaining animals on the farm in the event of major market disruptions.

Strengthen European food autonomy and preserve the EU's influence on its export markets through enhanced economic diplomacy.

Encourage the genetic improvement of herds with animals that have better environmental genetic characteristics, while maintaining or even improving their economic and productive value/performance.

Introduce incentive measures within the first pillar of the CAP for new entrants.

Environmental and innovation levers Seek to optimise production and emissions by launching a plan for the genetic improvement of the herd and the dissemination of good practices, rather than imposing brutal restructuring that would reduce European food sovereignty.

Ensure better structuring, coherent and non-destructive of productivity measures, favouring the link to the soil through grasslands, fodder and biodiversity or organic fertilisers and methanisation. Stimulate existing and virtuous agricultural practices via an adapted ecoscheme, in particular the valorisation of grasslands and grazing land. Ecoschemes should provide incentives to farmers to reduce emissions and store carbon.

Develop protein autonomy to reinforce the strategic autonomy of the EU and integrate this issue into the negotiations with Ukraine in order to seek complementarity of production systems.

Better recognition of the contribution of livestock farming to the bioeconomy through a more comprehensive approach to the nutrients and carbon cycles of all food and non-food uses.

Promote EU quality, including its recognised labels, and short supply chains

Public and governance levers Reopen the issue of meat denominations to protect animal products and provide real transparency for consumers.

Align synthetic meat and milk products assessment on pharmaceutical products, emphasising the ecological role of ruminants and the nutritional and health quality of natural meat.

Reverse the negative perception of livestock farming by promoting its environmental, territorial and societal benefits, including with promotional plans.

Ensure stable and coherent governance focusing on incentives rather than constraints, offer producers better visibility through improved contractual relations within the sector and enhanced hedging tools by integrating also production costs.

Make it mandatory for the Member States to include tools and measures to foster generational renewal in their National Strategic plan.

SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK L'élevage durable, FARMING, une chance POUR A CHANCE FOR LES CONSOMMATEURS THE CONSUMERS

Key figures

IN EUROPE A meat consumption that remains stable

IN THE WORLD

A meat consumption that is exploding

animal proteins: meeting the Challenges of a european and Global demand The European population is the fourth highest per capita consumers of animal products in the world and has stabilised its levels of consumption, which correspond to nutritional recommendations. Poultry and pork have seen the strongest growth in consumption. On the other hand, beef, which until the end of the 1990s was the second most consumed meat, has now fallen to third position after a drop in consumption of almost 30%.

Worldwide, meat consumption is approaching European levels. Global meat and fish consumption has increased by almost 100% in 60 years. This growth rate remains steady in almost all regions of the world. Over the next 30 years, an overall increase in meat consumption is expected in developing countries. This increase, combined with the growth of the world's population to 10 billion by 2050, will lead to significant increases in production.

While some regularly mention a decrease in European consumption of animal products, the proposals for a drastic reduction in the consumption of these products are not very credible, neither from a nutritional point of view nor with regard to the choices and expectations of Europeans.

European meat consumption trends do not indicate that a significant drop could be observed in the coming years. Furthermore, potential changes in eating habits, for a drastic reduction in meat consumption as suggested by some, would largely exceed the time frames of the climate and environmental objectives set by the EU (2030-2050) and would not be desirable from a nutritional point of view.

EU 2050 88 kg/capita/year -1% * -0,8 kg/capita/year*

World 2050 69 kg/capita/year +23% * +14,7 kg/capita/year*

Evolution and projection of the meat consumption in EU and in the World.

Source: Based on data from FAOstats. Products considered: meat and fish

+13 kg

16 kg/capita/year

THE INCREASE IN GLOBAL MEAT CONSUMPTION IS MAINLY ATTRIBUTED TO MONOGASTRICS

+7,5 kg

+7 kg

16 kg/capita/year 12 kg/capita/year

+0,1 kg

-0,5 kg

2 kg/capita/year 9 kg/capita/year BEEF

SHEEP / GOAT POULTRY

PORK

FISH

World meat consumption and his evolution between 1960 and 2019 in the world.

Source: Based on data from FAOstats.

CONSUMERS PREFERENCES Attached to meat and reluctant to change their habits A compilation of studies examined people’s attachment to meat. The surveyed population primarily came from developed countries (Europe, Australia, Canada, the United States and New Zealand). According to the study, the main reasons why omnivores eat meat are:

Pleasure

Perception that meat is part of a healthy diet

Meat as part of their culture

For these reasons, omnivores are attached to meat and are not willing to change their behaviour.

(Claudia Valli, MSc & al. 2019 - NutriRECS).

SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK L'élevage durable, L'élevage durable, FARMING, une chance POUR POUR une chance A CHANCE FOR LES CONSOMMATEURS LES CONSOMMATEURS THE CONSUMERS 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.

Key facts NUTRITIONAL IMPORTANCE OF ANIMAL PRODUCTS

PLANETE

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)

RED MEAT

MEAT PROCESSED

POULTRY

FISH

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.

(beef, pork, sheep & goat)

UNPROVEN EVIDENCE OF CAUSALITY, HIGH UNCERTAINTIES AND A “VERY LOW EFFECT SIZE”

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.

(Rohrmann, (Rohrmann, S & al. 2013 - EPIC).

SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK L'élevage durable, L'élevage durable, FARMING, une chance POUR POUR une chance A CHANCE FOR LES CONSOMMATEURS LES CONSUMERS CONSOMMATEURS THE 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 the local economic, geographical and sociological contexts.

The ‘landscapes of livestock farming’ constitute a real asset in terms of identity and culture, contributing to the tourist appeal and the economy of the various European regions.

Key figures

34%

OF THE EUROPEAN UAA IS PERMANENT GRASSLAND Source : Schils. 2022

-15% OF THE PERMANENT GRASSLAND AREA SINCE 2000 Source : Schils. 2022

TRANSHUMANCE : INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY The practices and knowledge associated with pastoralism are increasingly recognised. In 2023, transhumance was registered with UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Today, these landscapes represent a fragile heritage, threatened by the disappearance of this activity, particularly the grazing of ruminants on grass.

The disappearance of livestock farming in certain regions historically characterised by mixed farming is jeopardising the territorial, ecological and economic balance. As a key 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.

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.

European Quality Labels Products of animal origin represent almost 20% of European labels Other

WINE 47%

OTHER 33%

Share (%) of the different quality labels in the EU27.

Source: GI View - European Commission.

Meat 54%

Cheeses 37%

ANIMAL PRODUCTS 20%

Key figures

SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK L'élevage durable, L'élevage durable, FARMING, une chance POUR une chance A CHANCE FOR POUR LES CONSOMMATEURS LES CONSUMERS CONSOMMATEURS THE EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK: A GUARANTEE OF QUALITY, IN LACK OF RECIPROCITY European livestock farming is recognised worldwide for producing high-quality animal products that meet the strictest food safety standards in the world. The EU applies strict standards, particularly with regard to growth hormones and antibiotics and the traceability of animal products.

Since the 1980s, the EU has banned the use of growth hormones for livestock. This ban was strengthened several times in the 1990s and in 2006 with the exclusion of antibiotics used as growth promoters.

SINCE THE 80S, THE EU HAS BANNED THE USE OF GROWTH HORMONES IN LIVESTOCK

-53% REDUCTION IN TOTAL ANTIMICROBIAL SALES IN THE EU SINCE 2011 3rd and 4th generation -49% cephalosporins Polymyxins Fluoroquinolones Other quinolones

-91%

-25% -90%

Source : European Medicines Agency (EMA). European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC)

ANTIBIOTIC USAGE IN LIVESTOCK PER KG OF MEAT (2020) Milligrams of antibiotic use per kilogram of livestock. This is adjusted for differences in livestock numbers and species by standardizing to a population-corrected unit (PCU). Source : Our World In Data.

This standard in force in the EU is not being effectively applied to third countries, but the constraints on imports into the EU are partly circumvented or poorly controlled.

The disparities between European regulations and those of other major exporting countries raise competition issues in the global meat market and fuel the debate on consistency in the European approach to production standards, particularly in terms of animal welfare and environmental standards, for which full reciprocity should be ensured for products imported into Europe. Thus, EU consumers expectations are by-passed.

NO RECIPROCITY OF EUROPEAN STANDARDS The EU applies strict standards to its agriculture, while third-country exporters benefit from less restrictive rules, creating a distortion of competition.

Many agricultural stakeholders are calling for “mirror measures and clauses” to establish reciprocity in trade rules.

Recent demonstrations by European farmers highlight the need to protect European agriculture, which has been weakened by this unfair competition.

SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FARMING, A CHANCE FOR THE PLANET A EUROPEAN, LOCAL PRODUCTION, MORE BENEFICIAL FOR THE PLANET Reducing EU livestock production is often proposed as a means of solving environmental challenges.

However, substitution by imports from countries with less stringent regulations could increase deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions and transfer the pressure on natural resources on a global scale.

For several decades, the EU has seen an increase in its forest area, with a parallel decrease in its agricultural areas, particularly its grasslands. The European Union should not be pleased with this change: by resorting to increasing imports, the EU is contributing to the deforestation of third countries.

The EU is now the second largest importer of tropical deforestation, where the carbon stock is much higher than in European forests, thereby destroying the carbon stock of tropical forests.

If the EU truly wishes to contribute to reducing its share of global emissions, deforestation and biodiversity loss, it is essential to promote sustainable local production by supporting the maintenance of production and productivity within its own territory.

Permanent grasslands allow for a much greater sequestration of carbon than cultivated soils, thus contributing to the reduction of the GHG impact of livestock farming. Conversely, the cultivation of former forest or grassland soils causes a significant release of carbon into the atmosphere.

Key figures

-10 Mha of agricultural land in EU

11 Mha of deforestation linked to EU imports

DELOCALISATION OF EUROPEAN PRODUCTION AND DEFORESTATION The European Union has seen a reduction of 10 million hectares of its agricultural surface area (including 5 Mha of permanent meadows and pastures) since the 1990s.

Over the same period, it is estimated that EU imports have led to the deforestation of more than 11 million hectares (including 5.5 million hectares for soya and soya cake and 1.2 million hectares for livestock products intended for direct consumption [mainly beef])

DEFORESTATION EXTRA EU The EU is the second largest importer of tropical deforestation and associated emissions !

Soya - 89 000 ha/year (31%) 32 Mt eqCO2‌/year

Beef - 28 000 ha/year (10%) 13 Mt eqCO2/year Deforestation exported from the EU and associated emissions by product category. Source: Author's elaboration based on WWF data - The continuing impact of EU consumption on nature worldwide - 2021.

Soy, palm oil and beef are the main drivers of tropical deforestation imported from the EU. This highlights the importance of maintaining meat production in Europe, to limit imports and strengthen protein and fodder autonomy by limiting dependence on imports, particularly from tropical areas.

REDUCING DEFORESTATION represents the greatest potential for reducing emissions worldwide.

The majority of this potential is found in tropical forests, which have one of the highest carbon storage potentials: 240 tonnes eqCO2/ha distributed in the soil and in the biomass.

Biomass

30

120 60-80

PERMANENT GRASSLAND

50-60

120 Sol

TROPICAL FORESTS (stocks t eqCO2/ha) Source : ADEME, IPCC, NASA

80-100

TEMPERATE FORESTS

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.

Key figures

RELATIVISING THE ROLE OF LIVESTOCK IN TERMS OF EMISSIONS

8%

12% The livestock sector is thought to be responsible for 12% of global GHG emissions. (Source: FAO, 2023, Pathways towards lower emissions)

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 Animal species

Cattle

CHICKEN

PIGS

WORLD

160

34

55

EU

64

27

50

Latin America

283

31

54

Region

Emissions Intensity (kg CO2eq /kg protein).

Aggregated Production system and Commodity. Source : FAO - GLEAM Global greenhouse gas emissions from livestock summary data (2017)**

MEAT PRODUCED IN LABORATORIES 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. kg eqCO2/kg CELL-BASED MEAT 1500

Max 1508

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

500 400 300 200

99 CATTLE

100

World average

Min 246

33 DAIRY

CATTLE 20-25 AGGREGATED

World average

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).

Key figures

SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FARMING, A CHANCE FOR THE PLANET

88% OF LIVESTOCK FEED unfit for human consumption in the EU 1332 Mt 80% Figure - EU28 feed livestock composition (Mt) 2019/2020.

Source : European Commission.

EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK FARMING: KEY PLAYER IN THE OPTIMISATION OF RESOURCES

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.

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.

COPRODUCTS 86 Mt 8%

HIGH DEPENDENCY ON IMPORTS for products with a high protein content (soy)

EU ORIGIN inutilisable inutilisable

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.

CEREALS CROPS 176 Mt 11%

ROUGHAGE

100%

90%

PROTEIN IMPORTS

CEREALS

78%

ROUGHAGE

94% OTHER COPRODUCTS

22%

24% OILSEED MEALS

In wich soybean meals 3%

Figure - EU28 livestock feed protein balance.

2019/2020. Source : European Commission.

THE HIGHEST PROTEIN EFFICIENCY OF LAND for mixed and pasture systems

MONOGASTRIQUES

RUMINANTS

6-7 m2 of Agricultural Land 40-340 m2 of agricultural land 6-7 m2 of cultivated land* / 100 g

4-5 m2 of cultivated land* / 100 g

*Cultivated land with low added value: cultivated land excluding land allocated by simulations to the production of crop residues and co-products - other than oilseed cakes. Agriculture land used for pastures, unfit for growing crops for human consumption.

50 TO 500 L OF WATER / KG OF MEAT 14 400 l

Green Water

Rainwater, captured in the soil and evaporated by plants, and which in fact returns to the water cycle, with or without animals.

5000 l

Blue Water 550 l

451 l

Water withdrawn for irrigation, watering animals and cleaning food chain infrastructure

Grey Water Water needed to dilute waste water (which is not a quantity consumed but a theoretical requirement).

Source : Académie d’Agriculture

459 l 622 l

SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FARMING, A CHANCE FOR THE PLANET

Key figures

LIVESTOCK key players in sustainable agriculture Biodiversity:

Sustainable livestock farming: EXPLOITing the strength of complementary systems To fulfil their roles, European livestock systems must be able to provide a complementary range of products and services, rather than being guided by the sole objective of basic product production.

Grass-based ruminant farming systems have a positive impact on the environment: biodiversity, carbon storage, etc. However, the sector has been in decline for several years, threatening these benefits. The conversion of permanent grassland into arable land remains the main factor explaining the decrease in the carbon content of these soils and the related loss of biodiversity in Europe. A further decline in European ruminant production could lead to the conversion of grassland into crops and reduce the availability of livestock manure for soil fertilisation, which would cause an increase in carbon release, an increase in emissions and the loss of ecosystems with high ecological value.

The diversity of European farming systems is a strength in the service of energy and ecological transition. Livestock farming can play a key role in the decarbonisation objectives of the European energy mix: livestock farms produce manure, used to supply organic matter and nutrients to the soil, which can also be converted into biogas thanks to methanisation facilities, thus avoiding the use of fossil fuels.

Beyond its interest for energy production, methanisation produces digestate, which is used as a natural fertiliser by farmers.

50% of plant species endemic to Europe depend on the grassland biotope.

50% of bird species depend on grasslands for food and reproduction.

Valorisation of natural resources: Farms, based on mixed and pasture systems, make use of resources and land that would otherwise be unusable by humans (grassy resources, crop residues, etc.).

These systems make a net positive contribution to the availability of high-quality nutritional proteins for humans.

Animal well-being: Access to the open air and expression of natural behaviour.

Carbon storage: Ruminant farming is one of the few sectors capable of offsetting part of its its emissions by storing carbon in the soil.

30

40-50

60-80

20-50

PERMANENT GRASSLAND (stocks t CO2eq/ha)

AGROFORESTRY

CROPS

(CO2eq t stocks/ha)

(stocks t CO2eq/ha)

20-50

Source : ADEME, IPCC, NASA

Actors in the energy transition: The European Commission's REPowerEU plan sets a target of producing 35 bcm of biomethane per year by 2030. According to some studies, the recovery of manure could contribute up to 16 bcm.

Actors of the circular economy: The livestock sector is a key player in the circular economy.

Livestock effluent ≈ 45%

Figure - Estimated distribution of nitrogen inputs in agricultural soil fertilisation.

Source: INRAE

Synthetic fertilisers

≈ 55%

EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK FARMING: A STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL SECTOR The value of agricultural production in the EU amounted to 537.1 billion euros in 2023.

Almost 40% of total production came from animals and animal products, i.e. 214 billion euros.

The contribution of livestock farming is much higher in certain Member States (Ireland, Denmark, Belgium). The milk sector is in the lead (14%), followed by pork (9%), ruminants (8%), poultry (5%) and eggs (3%).

Although the EU has historically occupied an important place in the field of world animal production, contrary to trends observed in the world, its production, particularly of beef, is steadily decreasing. The declines in production have been particularly marked in France (-4.4% /2021), Germany (-8.4%) and Poland (-2.6%).

This reduction in production, which has limited the availabilities both inside and outside the EU, combined with a sharp rise in prices, has reduced the capacity of the EU sector to meet the demand in emerging markets. The EU is importing more and more and exporting less and less to third countries, and appears increasingly marginal in trade between the world's major regions.

Key figures

LIVESTOCK FARMING, A MAJOR ECONOMIC PILLAR OF THE EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Value of animal production: €214 billion Figure - Output of the agricultural industry - 2023.

Source : Eurostat

EU BEEF PRODUCTION THAT CONTINUES TO DECLINE against the global trend RLD WO

+38%

-33%

EU

1990

2022

Figure - Production of cattle (beef and buffalo) meat. Source : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2023)

THE EU IS IMPORTING MORE AND MORE and exporting less and less to third countries The drop in EU production has limited the exportable supply, and the rise in prices has reduced the availability of European meat on emerging markets.

136 k

90

kt

1 Mt

1

36

530 k t

EU

kt 600

kt

INDIA

0 kt

AFRICA

MERCOSUR

2M

ASIA

Mt

In this context, strategic reflection on the future of European livestock farming appears essential, particularly in the face of increased competition from Extra-EU products (Mercosur, etc.).

NORTH AMERICA

t

1,3

It should be noted that intra-Community trade in beef and veal picked up significantly after contracting in 2020, accounting for 37% of slaughter volumes in 2022 (35% in 2019).

600

SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FARMING, AN ECONOMIC PILLAR

OCEANIA

t

Figure - Global flow of beef- 2022. Source : IDELE

SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FARMING, 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.

Key figures

EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK FARMS EMPLOY AROUND 4 MILLION PEOPLE Source: INRA - Spécialisation territoriale et concentration des productions animales européennes : état des lieux et facteurs explicatifs.

EU FARM SPECIALISATIONS (2020) Share of all EU farms (%) - Eurostats & France Agricole

MIXED FARMING 19% LIVESTOCK SPECIALIST 22%

EU Total : 9,1 Millions Farms

CROP SPECIALIST 58%

IN 15 YEARS A DECREASE OF: THE NUMBER OF FARMS -45% OF SPECIALISING IN LIVESTOCK FARMING THE NUMBER OF MIXED FARMING -60% OF AND LIVESTOCK FARMS

Fully optimising the positive benefits of livestock farming

Bring back production

Invest and prepare for the future

LEVERS OF ACTION

Public and governance levers

Economic and financial levers

Environmental and innovation levers

High Level Expert Group

THREE LEVERS OF ACTION FOR THE LIVESTOCK FARMING OF THE FUTURE