Livestock farming employs around seven million people across the EU, often in areas with few other economic opportunities. It generates €400 billion in annual turnover. But it is a sector under pressure, facing low profitability and rising costs, changing market conditions, and outbreaks of animal diseases. The European Commission has introduced anew strategy for the livestock sectorto ensure that farmers can address such challenges sustainably in the long term.

The strategy helps farmers rely less on imports and more on domestic resources, reduce emissions, preserve food safety and improve animal welfare. It sets out five priorities to achieve this:

The livestock strategy also comes out with aprotein action planthat aims to increase the supply and use of EU-grown protein. In 2025, only 25% of the oilseeds and protein crops used to feed animals in the EU were produced inside the EU. The plan aims to increase the share to 35% by 2035.

Animal health – Food Safety – European Commission

Animal welfare – Food Safety – European Commission

EU Livestock Strategy - Agriculture and rural development

Press release: Commission sets the direction for prosperous livestock sector and a self-sufficient protein system