Pigmeat Reflection Group was created in 2022 to discuss the challenges facing the EU pork sector. The sector has been struggling for months due to factors such as COVID-19 related restrictions, reduced pork exports to China, African swine fever and rising raw material costs. The group brought together representatives of EU member states, Commission officials (from the Directorates of Agriculture, Health, Competition and Environment), key stakeholders from farmers' associations and nongovernmental organizations, and scientific experts.
A total of seven meetings took place, culminating in a report that was published in January 2023. The report provides an overview of the situation in the pork market and contains recommendations on the socio-economic dynamics of the sector, the environment and climate. problems, animal health and animal welfare to improve the sustainability of the industry.
Pigmeat Reflection Group recommendations included:
Facilitating collaboration between and among producers and other stages of the supply chain to better integrate society's expectations for improved sustainability, better training and knowledge sharing.
Diversifying EU export markets and reducing dependence on a few destinations, particularly unreliable partners.
Development of manure processing and efficient use of organic fertilizers.
Support for local biogas solutions based on manure, residues and waste, which attract not only the pig industry but also local communities.
Support for the development of vaccines for wild and farm pigs.
More engagement with third countries, including international bodies such as the WTO and WOAH, to ensure recognition of the EU regionalization principle.
Supporting actions, including research, to develop and implement systems with high animal welfare, respecting the behavioral needs of pigs and reducing antibiotic use.
The link to the report: pig333.com.
PigUA.info by pig333.com