As of 2024, the EU livestock population included:
- 132 million pigs, down 0.5% year-on-year;
- 72 million cattle, down 2.8%;
- 57 million sheep, down 1.7%;
- 10 million goats, down 1.6%.
These annual declines reinforce a longer-term contraction in the EU livestock sector. Compared to 2014:
- The pig population is 8.1% smaller,
- Cattle numbers are down by 8.7%,
- Sheep herds have decreased by 9.4%,
- And the goat population has fallen by 16.3%.
The trend reflects a combination of economic, regulatory, and societal factors. Rising production costs, environmental and animal welfare regulations, shifting consumer preferences (including increased interest in plant-based diets), and pressure from climate policies are among the key drivers behind the contraction of animal farming in the EU.
The continued decline highlights the need for strategic adjustments in agricultural policy, both at the EU level and within individual member states. Ensuring food security, supporting rural economies, and meeting climate targets will require a balanced approach to the future of the livestock sector.
thepigsite.com