Ammonia emissions from the Spanish livestock sector have been reduced by 16.7% between 2005 and 2023, a figure that is five times the reduction target set by the European Union for the 2020-2023 period. Thus, for the third consecutive year, Spain has met the commitments of the European National Emission Ceilings (NEC) directive.
These data are included in reports published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, which evaluate the implementation of Best Available Techniques (BATs) on livestock farms. The 2023 report includes the third annual analysis of the intensive pig sector and, for the first time, data from the poultry sector (meat and laying birds).
The information comes from the Ecogan system, a digital tool developed by the Ministry that allows farms to annually report the techniques used to reduce emissions. In 2023, 93% of the mandatory census was reported for pigs, 74% for meat poultry, and 71% for laying birds.
Thanks to the involvement of farmers and improvements in Ecogan, Spain now has one of the most advanced livestock emissions estimation systems in Europe, with accurate data that contributes to the Spanish Inventory System and environmental decision-making.
