The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has welcomed the European Commission’s livestock strategy as a positive starting point, but calls for stronger funding, mandatory labelling and strengthened competitiveness for Europe's livestock farmers

In a new opinion, the EESC stresses that the EU must go much further if it wishes Europe's livestock sector to remain competitive, sustainable and resilient. While supporting the Commission's overall direction, the Committee argues that the current proposals leave important gaps on financing, trade, labelling and support for farmers.

The EESC calls for a dedicated EU Livestock Fund outside the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), alongside a CAP budget restored to 0.5% of EU GDP.

'Supporting livestock farming is not just about agriculture, it is about Europe's food security, strategic autonomy and the vitality of our rural communities', says Joe Healy, the rapporteur of the opinion. 

The EESC argues that the ongoing reduction in livestock production in Europe will simply shift production and lead to a significant increase in emissions to countries with lower environmental and welfare standards.

'We must promote Europe´s high-performing livestock sector. Europe's livestock strategy needs dedicated financing to translate the positive narrative into tangible action on the ground. If we ask Europe's farmers to lead the transition, we must give them the tools to succeed and increase their productivity,' says Florian Dalstein, the co-rapporteur. 

Furthermore, the EESC proposes mandatory EU/non-EU origin labelling for animal products, adequate funding and realistic transition periods for higher animal welfare standards, and dedicated livestock research under Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund.

The EESC also backs targeted support for extensive, regenerative, agroforestry and organic livestock systems and calls for an animal protein export strategy promoting Europe’s high sustainability standards internationally.

It stresses that imported products should meet equivalent environmental, animal welfare and social standards. (ks)