The European Commission’s new approach signals a shift in the emphasis of livestock policy. The sector is increasingly being viewed not only in terms of its environmental impact, but also as a strategic industry that safeguards food security, supports rural areas and strengthens Europe’s resilience amid geopolitical instability.
According to the European Commission, the livestock sector generates around €400 billion in annual turnover and provides employment for millions of people across Europe.
The strategy has been introduced against a backdrop of volatile markets, high feed and fertiliser costs, animal disease threats and climate-related risks. Brussels stresses that maintaining production capacity is essential for food security, alongside efforts to improve the environmental sustainability of production and animal welfare standards.
EU Seeks to Reduce Dependence on Imported Protein
The Protein Crops Action Plan is of particular importance to feed producers. The European Union currently remains heavily dependent on imports of protein-rich feed ingredients, especially soybean products.
According to the European Commission, only around one-quarter of the protein derived from oilseed and protein crops used in animal feed is currently produced within the EU.
By 2035, the EU plans to increase this share from 25.8% to 35%. The objective is not complete self-sufficiency, but rather a reduction in exposure to global supply disruptions and geopolitical risks.
The plan includes incentives to expand the cultivation of pulse crops and soybeans, support for the development of storage and processing capacity, and closer integration between crop and livestock production.
Particular attention will also be given to the more efficient use of pastureland and feed resources, which is expected to reduce import dependence while supporting rural economies.
Innovation to Combine Competitiveness and Sustainability
The European Commission also plans to facilitate access to financing for investments in sustainable technologies, encourage the adoption of innovations and strengthen scientific research.
The central principle is that competitiveness and sustainability should not be treated as conflicting objectives, but as mutually reinforcing priorities.
The revision of animal welfare requirements also remains on the agenda. New rules for poultry are expected first, followed by proposals concerning pig housing and management. Brussels has also stated that imported products should meet equivalent standards.
UK Sector Closely Monitoring Developments
Although the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the EU, it remains one of the bloc’s key trading partners. Regulatory changes in Brussels may therefore influence commercial decisions across the UK livestock, feed and food sectors.
The British Meat Processors Association has stressed that livestock farming should be regarded as a strategic national asset rather than solely as a source of emissions.
Critics, meanwhile, argue that the European Protein Crops Action Plan lacks sufficient financial incentives and ambitious measures to develop plant-based protein production. Nevertheless, the European Commission is seeking to combine environmental objectives with the need to maintain production volumes.
The shift in the EU’s rhetoric demonstrates that livestock farming and feed security are increasingly being recognised as foundations of food sovereignty, economic resilience and rural development.
PigUA.info, based on materials from foodagribusiness.world