On 7 July 2026, the European Commission adopted the EU Livestock Strategy and a Protein Action Plan, presented by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen, and Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi. The strategy aims to strengthen the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of the EU livestock sector, which employs around 7 million people and generates €400 billion in annual turnover. Commissioner Hansen announced a target to increase the share of homegrown protein for feed to 35% by 2035, up from 25% today, to reduce dependence on imported inputs. The strategy also includes plans to phase out cages for laying hens and broilers and transition from crates to pen systems for pigs, with legislative proposals on laying hens and broilers by the end of 2026 and on pigs in 2027. Commissioner Várhelyi stressed stronger preparedness for animal diseases, including greater use of vaccination and digital early warning systems, and said the Commission has asked EFSA to review disease categorisation and vaccination strategies. The strategy builds on the Vision for Agriculture and Food presented in February 2025 and follows over a year of consultations with farmers, Member States, industry, scientists, and civil society. It includes measures to improve risk management through CAP tools and cooperation with the EIB, promote EU origin labelling and 'European excellence' standards, and support innovation in feeding techniques and renewable energy. The strategy also addresses territorial balance, noting that livestock farming is deeply linked to local territories and helps prevent land abandonment, particularly in Eastern border regions. The Commission will establish a livestock platform to disseminate good practices. The strategy is presented as a pragmatic, holistic approach that balances economic, social, and environmental dimensions, with an emphasis on shared responsibility across the supply chain. Commissioner Hansen warned that the sector faces rising production costs, climatic events, and animal diseases, and that without action, the EU risks losing farmers and increasing strategic vulnerability. The strategy also aims to ensure that imported products meet equivalent animal welfare standards, in line with WTO obligations.
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