Debunking Myths About Livestock: Science in the Service of Truth
Somos Ganadería (Spanish platform equivalent to European Livestock Voice) recently brought together various industry experts to address the main myths and misunderstandings surrounding livestock farming, providing rigorous information on its impact and sustainability. During the event, it was highlighted how scientific data plays a key role in dispelling myths about the sector, offering a more realistic and well-founded view of livestock farming.
The livestock sector is frequently subject to a series of myths and misinformation which distort the facts. These misunderstandings, often fueled by rumours and unfounded stereotypes, contribute to confusion regarding the sector’s sustainability and benefits. However, scientific data can be key in clarifying the situation, providing accurate and evidence-based information to counter false beliefs, and offer a more realistic and well-supported view of livestock farming.
With this in mind, Somos Ganadería organised an event – Debunking Myths About Livestock: Science in the Service of Truth – during which experts from the livestock sector, scientists, and communicators addressed the main myths and misunderstandings surrounding livestock farming, providing rigorous information on its impact and sustainability. The event, attended by over 100 people, was held at the headquarters of the General Council of Veterinary Colleges of Spain. Through various presentations and debates, the event aimed to strengthen knowledge and promote a more informed dialogue on the importance of livestock farming in today’s society.
The institutional opening of the event featured the participation of Ana Rodríguez Castaño, Secretary-General for Agricultural Resources and Food Security at MAPA, and Rufino Rivero, Secretary-General of the Veterinary Collegiate Organisation (OCV).
Rodríguez emphasised that “to prevent the unfair treatment of the livestock sector in the media, we must rely on a scientific foundation that highlights this activity’s contribution to the creation of public goods. This is reflected in the 7th pillar of the National Food Strategy (ENA), specifically dedicated to consumer food information and includes six fundamental aspects: food safety, sustainability, rural area revitalisation, nutrition and health, innovation and technology, and, finally, the consumer.”
Additionally, the Secretary-General stressed that “consumers play a crucial role in the food system, as their purchasing decisions determine which products succeed and how the market evolves. To enable them to make responsible choices, information must be clear and accessible.”
Rivero discussed the progress in animal production over recent decades, attributing these achievements “to the joint efforts of farmers and veterinarians in areas such as health, welfare, nutrition, reproduction, and management.” He also highlighted the livestock sector’s importance in “improving population nutrition, maintaining rural communities, contributing to GDP, and strengthening Spain’s international brand.” He concluded by stating that “Veterinary medicine will continue to be a great support for livestock farming, which has gained access to international markets to enhance its value.”
Scientific Panel: “Debunking Myths About Livestock: Science in the Service of Truth”
Following this, the Somos Ganadería presentation was led by Miguel Ángel Higuera, Director of ANPROGAPOR and Coordinator of this associative alliance. He pointed out that “we live surrounded by false myths and pseudo-truths, which is why we need science and its professionals to give us a voice and inform society about what we do—because we have nothing to hide.”
The scientific panel featured José Miguel Mulet, Professor of Biotechnology at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV); Fernando Estellés, Professor at ETSEAMN and Director of the Master’s Program in Precision Livestock Farming at UPV; and Antoni Dalmau, Researcher in the Animal Welfare Program at IRTA and Coordinator of the Welfare Quality Network. The panel was moderated by Matilde Moro, Manager of ASOPROVAC.
During his speech, Mulet referred to CRISPR technology, explaining that “it has developed rapidly, and in two or three years, it is likely that some genetically edited animals will emerge in livestock farming. Europe should be prepared with regulations that allow commercialisation, ensuring that European producers can compete on equal terms.”
Estellés emphasised that “there are positive perspectives on improving the livestock sector, particularly regarding sustainability and animal welfare. It is crucial to highlight the sector’s potential to address current social needs.”
Dalmau noted, “The problem is that we need more studies in our environment. How a specific animal component interacts in a Nordic country differs from how it works in a Southern one. For example, in the North, animals might experience stress at 25ºC, whereas in southern regions, they spend almost their entire productive life at that temperature. Therefore, when drafting European legislation, we need studies conducted in our environments that certify and present these findings.”
Moro pointed out that “for years, many policy decisions in Europe have been disconnected from a scientific basis. We believe it is important to empower scientists so that Europe can lead in fighting antimicrobial resistance, advancing technology, and improving animal welfare. Otherwise, we risk losing competitiveness and depleting our livestock resources.”
Panel Discussion: “More Communication to Counter Misinformation”
Next, a discussion titled “More Communication to Counter Misinformation” took place, moderated by Juan Pascual, Vice President for France, Iberia, and Italy at Elanco. Panelists included Óscar González-Recio, Senior Research Scientist at INIA; Gemma Tico, a veterinarian specialising in communication; and Elisa Plumed, an agri-food journalist.
Pascual emphasised the event’s significance: “Society, in general, lacks knowledge about animal production and food production. This often leads to suspicions about poor practices or food quality due to this lack of understanding.”
González-Recio highlighted the importance of timing in science communication, stating that “communication needs to be preceded by research, supported by scientists, to ensure that messages from the sector are conveyed with nuance and complexity.”
Similarly, Tico argued that “it is necessary to communicate and share. Therefore, we must find a balance in presenting scientific data more practically, showing the application of science rather than just presenting raw data.”
Finally, Plumed explained that “we should not fight against misinformation but instead work on introducing our messages into the flood of information received by the media. This involves establishing strategies with clear messages, using storytelling over raw data, and gaining the trust of journalists so they can better report on the livestock sector.”
Closing remarks
To conclude, Luis Alberto Calvo, President of the General Council of Veterinary Colleges of Spain, delivered the closing remarks, emphasising that “farm profitability is essential for ensuring sustainability, as well as the impact that digitalisation and artificial intelligence will have on the sector.” He also mentioned the specialisation process promoted by the Council, “which will soon obtain certification in swine farming and will later extend to ruminants.”For more details and to read the original article (in Spanish), visit the Somos Ganaderìa website. Some videos of the event can be found here.