In the first quarter of 2026, the Dutch pig processing sector recorded a sharp decline in volumes, reflecting profound structural changes in the industry and the impact of government policies aimed at reducing livestock numbers.

A study by researchers from Ethiopia has shown that genetically modified (GM) crops used in animal feed have no negative impact on animal health or productivity. At the same time, the researchers note that certain aspects require further investigation.

On the Greek island of Lesvos, the number of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks has risen to 22 farms, causing significant economic damage to the livestock sector and triggering farmer protests. Producers, unable to market their products, have blocked the port of Mytilini, demanding compensation from the authorities.

In the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the number of African swine fever (ASF) cases in wild boar has exceeded 500. The epizootic situation in the region continues to worsen, while in other parts of Germany the spread of the virus remains relatively stable.

In the first quarter of 2026, China’s pork production increased by 4.2% year-on-year to 16.69 million tonnes. The rise in output comes despite efforts to curb market oversupply and against the backdrop of weak consumer demand.

On April 23, the first practical training on the responsible use of antibiotics in livestock production will take place in Lviv, addressing new veterinary regulations and growing demand from producers for their practical implementation.

In March 2026, China increased soybean imports by nearly 15% year-on-year, but volumes remained significantly below market expectations. The main reason was delays in shipments from Brazil amid stricter phytosanitary inspections.

The reform of Germany’s animal husbandry labeling law is once again at risk of delay. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has halted consideration of the draft prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture, putting additional pressure on an already tight legislative timeline.

In March 2026, Brazil recorded a historic high in pork exports, with shipments increasing by more than 30% year-on-year. The surge was driven primarily by sharply rising demand from the Philippines, Japan and other Asian markets.

Romanian pork producers are under pressure from a sharp drop in wholesale prices driven by rising imports. Most farms are operating at a loss, creating risks of large-scale production cuts and increasing the country’s dependence on external supplies.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is making his fourth visit to China in recent years, underscoring Madrid’s ambition to pursue an independent foreign economic policy and deepen cooperation with Beijing. At the same time, this strategy is raising concerns about potential strains in relations with the United States.

In the first quarter of 2026, the Netherlands recorded a significant decline in piglet exports, with shipment volumes decreasing by 20% year-on-year. Despite this, Spain remains the key export destination, although demand there has dropped markedly amid the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).

A series of practical trainings on the responsible use of antibiotics in livestock production is being launched in Ukraine. The initiative is implemented with the participation of the Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders within the international EpiC project.

In 2025, meat consumption in Germany increased by 1.4 kg per capita, reaching 54.9 kg and ending a three-year decline. Pork continues to hold the largest share in the diet, accounting for around 52% of total consumption.

A new strain of African swine fever (ASF) virus has been identified in Barcelona and classified into a distinct genetic group, number 29. Scientists note that this variant differs significantly from previously known strains and may indicate a prolonged, undetected evolution of the virus in Europe.

A case of African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed among wild fauna in Chernivtsi district. The virus was detected in wild boar found dead in agricultural fields near the village of Striletskyi Kut, Mamaivtsi community, prompting the introduction of containment measures.

Since 2026, pig welfare requirements have become part of mandatory production standards, making their practical implementation a top priority. This is the focus of the new online course “Pig Welfare: Best Practices and Inspection Features,” available on the AgriAcademy platform.

The spread of African swine fever (ASF) on pig farms in Europe is significantly linked to wildlife, although farm-to-farm transmission remains the dominant pathway. This is according to modelling results from researchers at INRAE, Anses and ENVT.

After a period of price pressure at the beginning of 2026, Brazil’s pork market is showing signs of recovery: prices are expected to rise in April amid tightening supply and a seasonal increase in demand following the end of Lent.

The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders expresses its support for Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, and emphasizes the need for strict adherence to the principle of the presumption of innocence in connection with the referral of the relevant criminal proceedings to court.