LIVESTOCK IN THE EU – PERIODIC NEWS

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The European livestock sector is facing a growing number of concerns. These include the rising costs of energy, fertiliser and feed, as well as the growing economic impact of veterinary diseases (African swine fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza). 

In Germany, the federal government wants to reduce the proportion of food of animal origin (up to 80% for meat) and to focus on a more plant-based diet.  There is also still no agreement in sight within the coalition on several key agricultural issues such as gene editing and the animal welfare tax.

Nearly a dozen EU countries have joined Ireland in rejecting the European Commission’s attempt to link meat consumption to cancer in its new food promotion programme.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could have serious consequences for livestock farming in Europe. In this context of extreme vulnerability of a part of the agricultural world, the European Commission indicates that it will propose in the next few days “exceptional measures” to mitigate market imbalances.

The European Parliament approves the report on animal welfare, paving the way for new EU rules, and MEPs call for the current EU animal welfare rules to be harmonised and enforced more strictly. 

EU Member States have approved the placing on the market of an innovative feed additive for dairy cows that reduces methane emissions.

The Commission continues to support the coordination of the research community on the development, testing and demonstration of carbon farming practices. An expert group, bringing together Member State authorities and stakeholders, will support the Commission in developing standards for the certification of carbon removals.

full note available on FE Members’ area