LIVESTOCK IN THE EU – PERIODIC NEWS

The proper treatment of farm animals is increasingly important to consumers, which is reflected in the desire to ban long transports and the transport of newborns. As a result, European livestock production (dairy and beef herds) is expected to decrease in the future – in line with European dietary trends, visible through the appeal of meat substitutes and to meet sustainability objectives – while global consumption is increasing. Furthermore, the European Union supports this shift towards a more plant-based diet. To increase transparency and trust, the French government has introduced origin labelling for all meat served in canteens and restaurants.

States are investing in their agriculture: in Italy, the finance law grants two billion euros to agriculture, fisheries and agri-food, in France, the amount of aid for cattle for 2021 remains stable, in Greece, 490 million euros are being invested in organic farming, including 130 million for cattle and sheep farming.

European livestock farming is particularly affected by the many diseases, especially animal diseases, present in the country: African swine fever, bird flu, bovine respiratory diseases and covid-19. Massive preventive culls have been imposed in France and Italy, as well as ostracism measures and bans on restocking. This, coupled with soaring energy and feed costs, makes the global market for animal products highly volatile. As a result, French egg companies are on their knees, beef prices are hitting record after record, milk prices are rising. As a result of this damage, many associations have requested emergency aid in France, Ireland and Poland.

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