On September 11, the European Parliament will host another meeting of the Intergroup on Sustainable Livestock Farming, a recently established platform to discuss the future of livestock production in Europe.
Do we really value all food equally?
The European Commission has presented its vision for the future of agriculture and food, with an approach that emphasizes the value of all foods and their connection to the land, seasonality, cultures, and traditions. However, the question remains: do European policymakers really value all foods equally? Or are some products viewed negatively due to issues related to production methods or environmental impact?
In this context, and in light of the upcoming Commission study on the impact of the consumption of so-called ultra-processed foods, as well as the Danish Presidency’s intention to promote a common EU action plan on plant-based foods and a common protein strategy, the Intergroup will bring together nutrition and health experts to analyze the nutritional value of animal-based foods.
Topics to be addressed
What would a diet with a significant reduction in animal protein entail?
Researchers will present recent studies on:
The nutritional value of animal-based foods
Flaminia Ortenzi, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
Is it easy to replace animal proteins with alternatives?
Jean-François Hocquette, INRAe (to be confirmed)
What do we really know about animal-based food consumption and chronic diseases?
Alice Stanton, Royal College of Surgeons (Ireland)
Programme
I. Welcome Speeches
MEP Alexander Bernhuber
MEP Maria Grapini
MEP Benoît Cassart
II. Technical Presentations
(See previous topics)
III. Exchange of Views with MEPs
25-minute dialogue with the speakers
25-minute open debate with the audience
About the Sustainable Livestock Intergroup
The Sustainable Livestock Intergroup was officially established in early 2025 and is chaired by MEPs Alexander Bernhuber (Austria, EPP), Maria Grapini (Romania, S&D), and Benoît Cassart (Belgium, Renew).
Its objective is to provide a forum for debate in the European Parliament on the diversity of current livestock farming models, as well as on new technologies and methods that improve the sustainability of animal production. The Intergroup’s comprehensive approach will allow for a more balanced assessment of the sector’s challenges and opportunities, providing realistic, science-based solutions for the future of European livestock farming, with a special focus on animal welfare.
More information on the Intergroup’s official website.
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