The EU Strategy on Livestock establishes a long-term framework to ensure that the EU livestock sector remains resilient, competitive, sustainable, and territorially anchored. The strategy aims to strengthen the sector's ability to withstand economic, climatic, and sanitary crises; enhance its competitiveness within the EU and global markets; improve animal welfare standards; reduce its environmental and climate footprint; and maintain the vital role of livestock farming in supporting rural economies, biodiversity, food security, and the social fabric of rural regions. It also seeks to promote a distinct European model of livestock production based on high standards of sustainability, quality, and animal welfare. To enhance resilience, the strategy proposes measures to improve risk management, disease prevention, climate adaptation, and innovation. Key actions include the development of dedicated financial instruments and insurance mechanisms to help farmers manage climate, market, and animal disease risks; strengthening biosecurity and disease surveillance systems; reviewing the EU animal health framework and vaccination policies; and investing in research, innovation, and digital technologies such as precision livestock farming, early-warning systems, and advanced breeding techniques. The strategy also promotes greater resource efficiency, improved nutrient management, renewable energy use, and reduced dependence on imported feed and fertiliser inputs through more circular and locally based production systems. To strengthen competitiveness, the strategy focuses on closing the sector's investment gap, encouraging modernisation, and ensuring a predictable regulatory environment. The Commission intends to support investments in sustainable livestock production, animal welfare improvements, digitalisation, and infrastructure through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), financial instruments, and cooperation with the European Investment Bank. Additional actions include strengthening farmers' position in the food chain through the review of unfair trading practices rules, promoting producer organisations and cooperatives, supporting circular bioeconomy business models, improving market transparency, and ensuring fair competition through strengthened import controls and the application of equivalent standards for imported products. The strategy also seeks to expand export opportunities and improve value creation for farmers through higher-quality and more sustainable livestock products.
2026-07-07