Following the Strategic Dialogue for the Future of Agriculture in the EU: A New Scenario for the Livestock Community?

The new Commission began its term on December 1st and is already showing signs that it wants to adapt to a new environment. The Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, which shaped the roadmap of the previous Commission, focused on the green transition and an agri-food policy with regulations that likely would have reduced the productivity and competitiveness of the European Union (EU).

The reports presented by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi in 2024 coincided with a critical diagnosis of the deficiencies of the Single Market and the competitiveness of the EU and the need for urgent strategies to maintain the EU as a relevant actor in the global market. And the new Commission appears to be focusing its work on competitiveness.

In the agri-food arena, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen committed to listening more to the agricultural sector following the wave of protests by farmers demanding policies that take their needs and concerns into consideration. The Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture in the EU, involving 29 entities from European agri-food sectors, civil society, rural communities, and academia was the first step. It culminated in the report “A Shared Perspective for Agriculture and Food in Europe” which was intended to guide the work of the European Commission in its Vision for Agriculture and Food, to be presented on 19 February.

Our Spanish partner platform, Somos Ganaderia shared their thoughts on the report from the Strategic Dialogue. See our translation below:

During the presentation of the report, the President of the European Commission stated that “there is hardly a sector on our continent more important than agriculture” and “as we all know, it is vital for our health, strategic for our economy, and our self-sufficiency.” She also noted that “farmers and livestock producers face many and growing challenges, from fierce global competition to the devastating effects of climate change.” 

The report highlights that food and agricultural production play a strategic role in the new geopolitical context as an essential part of European security. Focusing on livestock, the report acknowledges the challenges faced in recent years and also recognises that livestock remains part of the solution to challenges such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nitrate pollution in water, antibiotic resistance, the use of natural resources (including water), and animal welfare issues. 

Livestock farming employs four million people in the EU and represents 40% of total agricultural value. It provides food, by-products, and services to society, and therefore, its transition towards greater sustainability and the management of negative externalities should be supported. The European Commission must develop a strategy on the key role of livestock based on solid science and in consultation with stakeholders to promote, among other initiatives: 

• Financial support for investment, advisory services, and education 

• Support for advanced technological practices and solutions to reduce emissions and incentivise the use of renewable energy on livestock farms 

• Promotion of innovative circular economy approaches 

• Long-term solutions in areas with high livestock concentration and environmental impact 

Innovation, technology, and knowledge play a fundamental role in the transition of the agri-food sector. It is essential to foster public-private collaborations and increase investments in research and innovation. The report highlights the importance of promoting “digital opportunities” and calls for mid-term support to accelerate the digitalization of the sector and investments in digital infrastructure. 

Regarding the revision of animal welfare regulations, which the Commission announced in 2020 as part of the Farm to Fork Strategy, the report states that “it should not undermine competitiveness or the high standards that the EU livestock sector has already achieved over the past five decades.” Therefore, it should be based on: 

• A holistic and updated socioeconomic impact assessment, particularly considering the implications for medium and small farms; 

• The “One Health” approach 

• The “Five Freedoms” model 

• Scientific evidence and advice from the EFSA 

The report acknowledges that the transition of agri-food systems inevitably involves conflicting interests and complex trade-offs that can only be resolved through commitment. Economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the agri-food sector can be mutually reinforced when supported by coherent policy measures. 

To consider the socioeconomic impact on producers and operators, the Commission must provide adequate means, resources, and timelines for the market to adapt to changes that could lead to cost increases. Transition periods appropriate to each species should also be adopted, ensuring that the positive externalities provided by the EU livestock sector are not compromised and that negative externalities are avoided or mitigated. 

Specifically, it states that “the Commission’s commitment to the gradual phasing out of cages and other closed confinement systems in animal farming must be accompanied by a species-specific and appropriate transition period and ensure that farmers receive full financial compensation to guarantee a smooth and viable transition for all producers involved.” 

Regarding trade regulations, the Commission must ensure consistency with EU animal welfare standards and guarantee that the EU livestock production model and animal welfare legislation are not undermined. 

In the revision of animal welfare legislation, the Commission should propose a comprehensive animal welfare labelling system and consider whether it should be mandatory. This should inform consumers about their choices and build trust, raise awareness of animal welfare standards, and incentivize and reward farmers for improvements. The EU should fund communication efforts regarding this labelling. 

On the other hand, the Strategic Dialogue report also includes some recommendations that we consider “grey areas.” For example, it acknowledges the reduction in the consumption of certain animal-based foods and the growing interest in plant-based proteins, stating that “it is crucial to support this trend by rebalancing towards plant-based options and helping consumers embrace the transition.” At this point, we recall the recent FAO report analysing the impact of different measures to reduce emissions linked to livestock farming, which indicates that reducing the consumption of animal-based foods has one of the lowest impacts on emission reductions. 

Under “improving sustainable farming practices,” it is also stated that “the European Commission and Member States should continue to support organic production and agroecological farming practices.” The Joint Research Centre study “Modelling Environmental and Climate Ambition in the Agricultural Sector with the CAPRI Model” estimates an average yield loss of 20% when replacing conventional production with organic farming. This impact will undoubtedly affect prices and, more importantly, the EU’s food security. Let us not forget that in 2021, the European Commission itself acknowledged the “need for a forward-looking European food system in the face of potential risks and crises“, after lessons learned from COVID-19, and therefore created the European Food Security Crisis Preparedness and Response Mechanism, which would be activated in case of crisis. Increasing organic production points in the opposite direction to the goal of anticipating possible food security crises. 

In conclusion, we are at a decisive moment in defining the European Commission’s new strategy for the agri-food sector, particularly livestock. The Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture in the EU addresses very relevant aspects and proposes a practical regulatory approach focused on competitiveness in this legislature, allowing for the maintenance and improvement of livestock farming as an essential part of Europe’s economy, society, and food supply. While some recommendations should be reconsidered, it is a good starting point for the Commission to define its “Vision for Agriculture and Food.” 

 
Source: Somos Ganderia (ELV Spain)