“Thank you. Chair. Honourable Members of Parliament. As stated in my previous appearance in front of this committee, the Commission welcomes the Parliament's initiative to draft a report on securing a sustainable future for the EU livestock sector. The sector indeed plays a crucial role in food security, but also in rural livelihoods and cultural heritage, and we recognise the challenges it faces from climate change, environmental pressure and evolving consumer expectations. The Commission has noted the breadth and depth of the amendments tabled to the report. Your contributions, honourable Members of Parliament, demonstrate the importance of this debate for farmers, consumers and society at large. We note first, the strong recognition of the essential role of livestock in Europe's economy and rural fabric. Millions of people depend on this sector and it supports our cultural heritage. Territorial cohesion and food security. The Commission shares your determination to ensure a fair income for farmers and to preserve jobs and vitality in rural and disadvantaged regions. At the same time, we note the calls for higher ambition on environmental protection, climate mitigation and animal welfare. In this context, we see the value of demands for a just transition, ensuring that farmers are supported financially and technically as they adapt to new requirements. Trade and reciprocity have also been strongly underlined. The Commission understands the importance of meeting EU standards and we will continue. I insist we will continue because we are doing it already. We will continue to insist on fair and enforceable provisions in trade agreements. Finally, we welcome the Parliament's emphasis on innovation and research. Indeed, advances in digitalisation, genetics and nutrition are strong supports for making the livestock sector more sustainable. Honourable members, we see in your amendments both a defence of what livestock farming contributes today And a vision of how it must evolve. Tomorrow, the Commission stands ready to work with you to strike a balanced path, one that supports farmers, that respects animals, that protects the environment, and that secures Europe's food future. With the chair's permission, I'm now handing over to my colleague from DG Sante, with whom I'm sharing the commission's speaking time.”
Agriculture (green) · EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers