On March 27, at the FIGAN trade fair held in Zaragoza, the Somos Ganadería platform presented the main conclusions of its work in defense of the livestock sector at an event that also unveiled the new European Parliament Intergroup on Sustainable Livestock Farming.
During the event, the most urgent challenges facing the European livestock sector were discussed, and the next steps to follow were defined in terms of communication, institutional representation, and the defense of livestock farming as an essential activity for the EU economy, rural areas, and food sovereignty.
Main Challenges for the Livestock Sector
The presentation highlighted that the livestock sector must face economic, environmental, and social challenges that threaten its competitiveness and future:
Economic:
- Loss of profitability and competitiveness due to rising production costs.
- Excessive regulation and administrative bureaucracy.
- Uncertainty regarding international trade agreements.
Environmental:
- Demanding green policies that impose new requirements without considering the sector’s progress.
- Need to focus on productive efficiency as a sustainable path, prioritizing incentives over sanctions.
Social:
- Disinformation campaigns and stigmatization of meat consumption.
- Lack of generational renewal and depopulation of rural areas.
- Legitimate concerns about animal welfare that require greater dialogue and outreach.
Future: A joint and inclusive strategy
Both Somos Ganadería and the recently created Sustainable Livestock Intergroup of the European Parliament agreed on the need to promote an inclusive, science-based vision that addresses current challenges while highlighting the strategic value of the livestock sector.
The next steps planned include:
- Strengthening clear, objective, and scientific communication on livestock farming.
- Direct the discourse toward new generations to ensure succession.
- Collaborate closely with the European Parliament on key issues such as animal welfare, environmental sustainability, food safety, and rural development.
With initiatives like these, the livestock sector seeks to build a common, well-founded narrative with a European focus, which defends its contribution to society and addresses challenges together.
