The livestock sector faces a series of myths and misinformation that distort its real impact on sustainability and animal welfare. To combat these misunderstandings, Somos Ganadería organised the event “Debunking myths about livestock farming: Science at the service of truth”, where experts from the sector, scientists and communicators presented evidence-based data.
The event, held at the headquarters of the General Council of Veterinary Colleges of Spain, was attended by more than 100 people and the participation of authorities such as Ana Rodríguez Castaño (MAPA) and Rufino Rivero (OCV). Rodríguez stressed the importance of a scientific basis to improve the perception of the sector and its contribution to public goods, while Rivero highlighted the advances in animal production thanks to the joint work of farmers and veterinarians.
During the scientific panel, Antoni Dalmau, a researcher at IRTA, stressed the need to carry out studies in the specific context of each country to ensure more precise European legislation. In his words:
“The problem is that we need to do more studies in our environment. The way in which a factor affects an animal in a Nordic country is different from how it does in a southern country. When we are going to make European legislation, we need studies done in our environments that we can certify and show.”
Other interventions addressed topics such as the impact of CRISPR on livestock farming, the need to improve scientific communication and the importance of transmitting clear and accessible information to the consumer. The day concluded with the intervention of Luis Alberto Calvo, president of the Council of Veterinary Colleges, who highlighted digitalization and AI as keys to the future of the sector.
