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Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – A sustainable Livestock Strategy to support the EU’s food strategic autonomy and climate and biodiversity objectives (exploratory opinion requested by the Irish presidency)

EESC 2026/01422

OJ C, C/2026/5098, 20.10.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/5098/oj (BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, GA, HR, IT, LV, LT, HU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV)

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/5098/oj

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Official Journal
of the European Union

C series

C/2026/5098

20.10.2026

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee

A sustainable Livestock Strategy to support the EU’s food strategic autonomy and climate and biodiversity objectives

(exploratory opinion requested by the Irish presidency)

(C/2026/5098)

Rapporteur:

Joe HEALY (IE-III)

Co-rapporteur:

Florian DALSTEIN (DE-I)

Advisors	Kevin KINSELLA (to the rapporteur) Sven GUERICKE (to the co-rapporteur)
Referral	Letter from the incoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, 7.5.2026
Legal basis	Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
Section responsible	Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment
Adopted in section	26.6.2026
Adopted at plenary session	16.7.2026
Plenary session No	607th
Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions)	227/0/3

1. Conclusions and recommendations

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) recommends to:

1.1.

Adopt a positive EU livestock strategy based on optimising sustainable expansion, growth and output efficiency and protecting the EU family farm model, underpinned by the highest production, environmental, ethical and social standards in the world and the science-based knowledge that any reduction in EU livestock production will result in carbon leakage and an increase in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

1.2.

Uphold the European Commission’s decision to formulate a new EU livestock strategy, which needs to support farmers in a positive way and recognise that sustainable livestock production is a key part of the solution in tackling the economic, environmental and social challenges facing society.

1.3.

Restore the CAP budget to a level of 0,5 % of EU GDP and index-link the budget and direct payments, as well as maintain the existing two-pillar structure of the CAP with direct payments and ecosystem support for farm incomes in pillar I and strong rural development investment and environmental support in pillar II, as a critical starting point for financing the sustainable transition of the livestock sector.

1.4.

Encourage Member States to provide targeted and coupled supports to the livestock sector and especially to grass-based and extensive livestock systems, which will also help to reduce the risk of land abandonment.

1.5.

Establish a dedicated EU livestock fund in addition to and outside the CAP to close the investment gap and finance the transition.

1.6.

Guarantee that the equivalence of standards is a non-negotiable component of all future EU trade agreements in order to properly protect higher EU standards and the single market.

1.7.

Enforce EU standards via ordinary legislative procedures.

1.8.

Support extensive, regenerative, agroforestry- and organic-based livestock systems, which have a particularly positive role to play in meeting consumer demand and improving the environment, biodiversity and soil health.

1.9.

Develop sector-specific sustainability programmes supporting investments in biosecurity, animal welfare improvements, low-emission housing technologies, measures to reduce ammonia and reactive nitrogen losses, renewable energy integration, alternative feed proteins and digital monitoring systems, while maintaining the competitiveness of EU producers within the single market and vis-à-vis imports from third countries.

1.10.

Increase support for EU plant protein production for food and feed, recognising the close links between the livestock strategy and the forthcoming protein action plan.

1.11.

Ensure funding and 20-year legal certainty for sustainable farm investments under uniform standards within the single market and reduce the associated administrative burden, so as to facilitate the construction of livestock facilities in agricultural areas.

1.12.

Promote improved guidance and education to support the transition towards more sustainable livestock systems, integrating animal welfare, the climate and environmental and agroecological objectives and taking economic competitiveness into account.

1.13.

Adopt an animal protein export strategy based on the highest standards of sustainable production, focusing on reducing global GHG emissions, increasing market access and exports to third countries and reducing SPS-related market access restrictions.

1.14.

Recognise animal welfare as a core pillar of the forthcoming livestock strategy and support the revision of EU animal welfare legislation in line with the latest scientific evidence, including supporting cage-free systems and the development of animal welfare indicators, while ensuring the enforcement of the current rules and strengthening the competitiveness of livestock farmers.

1.15.

Introduce sufficient transition periods and funding for the implementation of more sustainable and incentive-based animal welfare, animal health and environmental practices, while ensuring measurable improvements.

1.16.

Create a dedicated programme for research and innovation in the livestock sector in the forthcoming European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe which will focus on the accelerated use of science and technology to support the scale-up of precision livestock farming, digital monitoring and farm-animal genomics to improve animal health and welfare and feed efficiency and to reduce environmental impact, and incentivise the circular bioeconomy and on-farm renewable energy production (such as on-farm biogas production from slurry, which reduces methane emissions while providing renewable energy). This could be done, for example, though eligible activities in CAP investment initiatives, with increased scoring in the selection criteria. Alternative and nature-based solutions should also be explored.

1.17.

Introduce a mandatory EU/non-EU origin labelling for all food products of animal origin (1) as well as looking towards the possibility of implementing country origin labelling, and explore policy options for labelling of farming environment (cage-free/open air).

1.18.

Strengthen farmers’ position and rebalance power in the food chain.

1.19.

Support and develop the bioeconomy strategy within the livestock sector (2).

1.20.

Develop a strong EU-wide promotional and educational programme for EU meat and dairy protein products based on best-in-the-world production standards, superior animal health and welfare, food safety and nutritional attributes, and positive environmental impact.

1.21.

Adopt the EU One Health approach, which must fully support the vital role of the livestock sector and farmers in connecting human, animal and environmental health in a positive way in tackling antimicrobial use, preventing zoonotic diseases and improving animal welfare (3), by providing better EU funding for tackling health crises.

1.22.

Encourage productivity efforts while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in particular through both animal and plant (animal feed) genetic selection, continuing the fall in emissions seen since the 1990s.

2. Context, challenges and best practices

2.1.

In its vision for Agriculture and Food, the European Commission committed to developing a long-term vision for EU livestock that addresses the sector’s key challenges. In advance of the finalisation and publication of the Commission’s strategy, the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU asked the EESC to prepare an exploratory opinion articulating the views of organised civil society on this topic to feed into and support the Commission’s work on the development of their strategy.

2.2.

The EU livestock sector involves notably beef, sheep and goat, pig meat and poultry production. The overall sector is a strategically important component of the EU’s food production, rural economy and agricultural structure. Beyond supplying essential animal protein and other nutrient-dense foods for 450 million Europeans, livestock farming contributes to global food and nutritional security by making productive use of natural resources, many of which cannot be consumed directly by humans. Without livestock, there is no agriculture and no circular economy. Furthermore, manure and slurry support and accelerate regenerative forms of agriculture such as organic production. In many production systems, animals help convert grass, forage, crop residues and other forms of biomass into high-quality food, while also linking crop and livestock farming through circular nutrient flows. In this sense, livestock systems support closed agricultural cycles and contribute both to security of food supply and to the broader resilience of European farming systems and rural areas.

2.3.

Investments in the EU livestock sector are not just on-farm investments in more sustainable practices but investments in rural areas overall, thereby promoting democracy, demographic change and generational renewal while at the same time preserving regional culture and traditions.

2.4.

The EU livestock sector remains economically significant for rural regions because it supports employment not only on farms but also in upstream and downstream activities such as feed supply, veterinary services, transport, processing, and local marketing. This makes animal husbandry an important source of economic activity, territorial cohesion and know-how in areas where alternative opportunities may be limited. The livestock sector ensures added value for agricultural holdings as well as the rest of the value chain.

2.5.

The EU livestock sector is a critically important part of the overall agriculture sector, representing 44 % of total EU agriculture output in 2023 and employing over 4 million people. 58 % of EU farms hold animals. The economic multiplier effect of the sector is profound: for every EUR 1 in beef output, an additional EUR 2,10 is generated across the wider economy. Furthermore, for every EUR 1 distributed in CAP direct payments to cattle farmers, EUR 4,10 of output is generated in the wider economy (4).

2.6.

The EU livestock sector is shaped by considerable diversity across the EU. Production structures, natural conditions, market opportunities and policy starting points (e.g. on animal welfare) differ widely between Member States where different baselines continue to influence both the pace of transition and the costs of adaptation. Different regulatory requirements in the Member States should not distort competition for farmers within the single market.

2.7.

EU agriculture and livestock farming systems have historically been based on a farm model with small structures closely integrated into rural communities. There are 4,1 million livestock farms in the EU, representing 45 % of all agricultural holdings. However, in the last 10 years there has been a significant reduction in the number of livestock farms and a concentration of production in intensive systems, especially in pig and poultry production and to a lesser extent in dairy, cattle and sheep enterprises. The EU structure is in marked contrast to large-scale intensive production systems employed on some other continents where ranch and feedlot systems are employed and production standards are significantly lower than those in the EU.

2.8.

Livestock producers are under pressure from increasing societal and political expectations, low farm incomes in certain sectors, with many producers earning well below national average incomes, rising production costs (feed, energy and labour), availability of natural resources, compliance obligations, higher regulatory and administrative costs, unequal bargaining power in the supply chain, and limited capacity to finance long-term adaptation.

2.9.

The EU has a trade surplus in the agri-food sector, which it must recognise as a key strategic asset, comparable to energy, security and defence. In an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment, the capacity to produce sustainable, safe, high-quality food at reasonable prices that meets the needs and expectations of society is fundamental to economic stability, social cohesion and strategic autonomy. The world’s population is projected to increase by 26 % by 2050 (5). Global food consumption is growing at 1,3 % per annum and global demand for meat and dairy proteins continues to increase, driven by population growth, urbanisation and rising incomes. In parallel, the social demand for high animal welfare standards and quality is increasing, driven by growing scientific knowledge and public awareness. Therefore, a policy approach centred on implicitly reducing livestock numbers or scaling down support for the livestock sector across the EU is misaligned with consumer demand, risks displacing production to regions with lower standards and will seriously damage the delivery of effective environmental outcomes. Addressing these challenges requires a positive EU livestock strategy centred on sustainability and on better adapting supply to demand.

2.10.

An EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) report (6) published in October 2025 provides an analysis of different directional and policy orientations for the CAP and how they could shape the agricultural landscape and their environmental impact. Three different scenarios are analysed:

—	a productivity and investment approach,

—	an environmental and climate approach,

—	a ‘no CAP’ scenario.

With the ‘no CAP’ scenario, farm incomes and production fall significantly, exports decline and imports increase, consumer prices rise and 250 000 jobs are lost. EU GHGs fall by 12,4 mt of CO2e but global GHGs increase by 20,6 mt, giving a net increase of 8,2 mt. Under the environmental and climate approach, production falls, consumer prices rise, imports increase and exports fall, along with the loss of 90 000 jobs. EU GHGs decrease by 6 mt but global GHGs increase by 16 mt of CO2e through leakage, leaving a net increase in GHGs of 10 mt of CO2e. However, under the productivity and investment scenario, production increases, prices fall, exports increase, imports fall and employment increases. EU GHGs increase by 0,5 % – or 2 mt – but global GHGs decline by 11 mt of CO2e, giving a net global GHG reduction of 9 mt. This critical EU research clearly highlights the logical case to be made for increasing low-carbon EU agricultural production and benefiting the environment as opposed to reducing EU production and increasing more carbon-intensive production elsewhere and as a result increasing global GHG emissions.

2.11.

The EU needs to view livestock as part of the biogenic cycle, an important natural cycle whereby plants absorb and sequester carbon as part of photosynthesis and deposit carbon into cellulose in leaves, stems and roots, while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Cattle are made to digest the carbon stored in cellulose and use it for meat and milk production. Cattle belch methane returns carbon sequestered by plants back into the atmosphere. After about 10 years the methane is broken down and converted back into carbon dioxide. Through photosynthesis, plants again fix the carbon back into cellulose, cattle eat the plants and the natural biogenic carbon cycle continues (7).

2.12.

The EU livestock sector leads the world in terms of standards and best practices because they are regularly improved and modernised. Across the EU, it is strategic for farmers and value-chain actors to continue to develop and apply more and more practices that seek to combine productivity, animal care, resource efficiency and regional embeddedness as well as climate mitigation and biodiversity. It is critical that livestock farmers obtain political recognition and financial support for their work in achieving these positive impacts. The EU must continue to be the global leader in sustainable livestock production rather than increasing dependency on external supplies.

2.13.

Investment in, and adoption of, sustainable improvements is constrained by structural barriers where environmental benefits such as emission reductions, improved water quality and biodiversity, and higher animal welfare standards are all produced as public goods, and the costs of delivering these benefits primarily sits with the farmers within a low-margin supply chain. This creates a disconnect where adoption is technically feasible but economically and administratively constrained. Through the CAP and other funds such as the Just Transition Fund, the EU must ensure that the costs of sustainability do not fall on farmers alone.

2.14.

The EU livestock sector faces many significant challenges, some of which are sector-specific and may require sector-specific solutions and support, which can include:

—	the banning of existing production systems, such as individual stalls for sows and farrowing pens;

—	structural low incomes in livestock production systems;

—	live exports and their importance in terms of competition and the single market;

—	the vulnerability of some sectors to high feed costs;

—	competition from imports produced to lower standards;

—	harmonisation of animal welfare standards;

—	an ageing population and generational renewal in the sheep and goat sector.

3. Dimensions of sustainability in the European livestock sector

Economic and competitiveness policy

3.1.

There is a need to strengthen competitiveness, as well as high expectations for change, in the EU livestock sector, which can only be met if economic viability and competitiveness within the European single market are guaranteed.

3.2.

Low farm incomes and economic viability is a real challenge on many livestock farms. CAP direct payments are essential for income resilience and viability. In Ireland, where livestock farming is by far the most common enterprise, the Teagasc national Farm Survey for 2024 shows that direct payments account for 59 % of family farm income (8). In France, CAP direct payments account for upwards of 50 % of turnover and over 100 % of family farm income.

3.3.

With farming systems and enterprises that are very dependent on CAP direct payments, any reduction in the CAP budget will have a disproportionate negative impact on the livestock sector. Extensive livestock systems are predominantly practiced in disadvantaged and poorer land areas, and any reduction or change to CAP pillar II structures or payments will have major consequences.

3.4.

Additional financial resources are required to make on-farm investments to implement sustainable practices. Equally important are investments in the use of existing facilities. Alongside these resources, livestock farmers need planning and investment security as well as a reduced permitting burden to ensure that investments in certain farm buildings or equipment, such as more sustainable animal housing facilities, remain legally compliant for at least 20 years. In order to secure sustainable farm investments in an evolving geopolitical and scientific context, society, and especially policymakers, must provide a simplified, secured financial and regulatory framework, ensuring economic stability for farms in case changes happen before these investments are fully depreciated. Livestock farmers need scientific research and advice in order to select long-term animal welfare and environmental technologies.

3.5.

The regulatory obligations for operators in the up- and downstream value chain should be reviewed and reduced to help, for example, preserve regional slaughter capacity and support on-farm slaughterhouses (9), short supply chains, veterinary treatment and animal feed production, particularly in rural areas where the decline of local abattoirs, shortages of veterinarians and insufficient feed resources are increasing distances, costs and organisational pressure for farmers and processors alike.

3.6.

A more balanced EU trade policy for products of animal origin would create opportunities for European production and ensure the equivalence of production, animal health and welfare, antibiotic use, economic, environmental and social standards between domestic and imported products, and avoid carbon leakage. Trade deals that damage and disproportionately discriminate against the EU livestock sector must be avoided. In addition, it is imperative that the cumulative impact of trade deals is considered before additional market access is offered in the future. As a favourable location for sustainable production and already adhering to the highest standards globally, the EU livestock sector has an important role for global food security. In this regard, the EU must ensure compliance with EU requirements for imported products and should strengthen initiatives to generate market opportunities for EU animal protein exports. The issues and concerns raised by the EESC regarding the possible enlargement of the EU must be addressed (10).

3.7.

A proper scientific framework for verifiable measurements of both GHG emissions and removals needs to be developed for farm-level use. The EU should strongly support scientific frameworks and technologies that connect all European activities and systems monitoring GHG emissions, such as AgNav (11) in Ireland and ECOGAN (12) in Spain, which assist farmers in measuring and monitoring GHGs and supporting producers using verified data and best practices to improve productivity, viability and environmental sustainability.

3.8.

Animal feed represents 66 % of cereal use in the EU (13). The EU’s livestock sector is roughly 75-78 % self-sufficient in total feed protein. However, the bloc is highly dependent on imports for high-protein feed (like soybean meal), importing up to 66 % of its requirements, and feed additives. This reliance makes it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and price volatility. Soybean meal accounts for 17 % of all EU feed protein, with a heavy reliance on imports from Argentina, Brazil and the US, exposing EU farmers to global price shocks. To improve agricultural strategic autonomy, reduce deforestation footprints and enhance food security, the EU needs to increase support for the production of domestic plant proteins (e.g., peas, field beans and lucerne), invest in circular and alternative feed sources, including insect proteins, algae and microbial proteins, and maximise the use of food industry byproducts (such as whey and processed animal proteins) to reduce the need for raw, imported protein (14). The EU livestock strategy and forthcoming protein action plan need to be developed in a coherent and complementary manner, supporting the diversification of agricultural production, reducing dependence on imported feed protein, strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy and creating new opportunities for farmers in the sustainable production of both animal and plant protein. In addition, European feed manufacturers are continuing to adopt sustainable best practices such as responsible sourcing and recycled nutrients, assisting the circular economy.

3.9.

To address the challenges on commercial markets, it is necessary to examine and improve strategies, particularly with regard to protecting the single market and common market organisation (CMO), rebalancing power and strengthening farmers’ position in the food chain, preventing central purchasing bodies from circumventing national and international regulations, better combating unfair trading practices (UTPs) and introducing an alternative price formulation (15).

Animal welfare, animal health and environment policy

3.10.

The EESC highlights the role of public procurement as a driver of higher animal welfare standards.

3.11.

The modernisation and harmonisation of requirements to improve animal welfare, animal health and environmental legislative frameworks for livestock farmers at European level, on the basis of scientific evidence, is necessary to safeguard the competitiveness of various livestock structures across the single market and to prevent livestock production from relocating to other parts of Europe or beyond European borders. There must be uniform application in all Member States and a mandatory assessment of the impact on competitiveness and production costs before new requirements are adopted, together with compulsory financial support proportionate to the investment needs.

3.12.

Further changes in animal husbandry in line with societal expectations must take place within a reasonable timeframe and be made achievable through adequate funding, given that some of the adjustments are far-reaching, and must take into account competition within the EU internal market. Continuing improvements in animal welfare and environmental conditions must not be hindered by ‘race to the bottom’ competition. Appropriate measures, support and market interventions must be put in place to protect farmers who opt for ambitious solutions.

3.13.

The transition of the livestock sector towards greater animal welfare can present conflicting objectives, particularly in relation to environmental requirements. For example, investments in freely ventilated stalls, responding to animal welfare expectations, may contradict emissions mitigation objectives. These conflicts must not be resolved at the expense of animal welfare and livestock farmers. In accordance with scientific evidence, the EESC calls for viable solutions to be pursued.

3.14.

European farmers are facing a series of diseases affecting their livestock, such as bluetongue, epizootic haemorrhagic disease, brucellosis, avian influenza, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, lumpy skin disease, and African swine fever, exacerbated by climate change and international trade. They are raising concerns about the future of livestock farming as this situation is severely impacting the economic viability of farms and the mental health of breeders. Strengthening biosecurity measures, surveillance systems, emergency preparedness and effective EU-wide response mechanisms is essential for safeguarding food production, animal welfare and market stability. Financial support mechanisms for farmers affected by mandatory culling and movement restrictions should be maintained.

3.15.

The EESC calls for the development of a revised EU strategy and common policy framework for vaccination against certain diseases, such as influenza, based on scientific evidence, risk assessments and systemic implementation across Member States. A fragmented national approach risks undermining the effectiveness of disease prevention, distorting competition within the single market and creating trade risks. The EU should establish common rules for vaccination protocols, monitoring, traceability, trade conditions and compensation mechanisms, while ensuring that vaccination complements, rather than replaces, strong biosecurity and surveillance systems.

3.16.

The EESC recognises that, since 1990, the EU livestock sector has significantly reduced its GHG emissions and is one of the few regions in the world where agricultural emissions have fallen in absolute terms (16). For example, non-CO2 emissions of GHG fell by 15 % between 1990 and 2000, and the level of enteric fermentation per litre of produced milk dropped by 17 % between 2000 and 2019 owing to changes in the way dairy cows are managed. However, further science- and technology-based efforts to mitigate environmental and climate emissions are needed to continue this trend over the coming decades and to contribute to the EU’s climate neutrality objectives. Associated measures to meet these objectives should, in line with the Vision for Agriculture and Food, provide incentives and refrain from impractical regulatory requirements. As an example, improving feed formulations in the pig sector by more accurately balancing amino acids, reducing raw protein and introducing precise feeding according to the animal’s physiological status can reduce ammonia emissions by 20-40 % without additional capital investment. Additives from algae and specific feed enzymes have the potential to reduce methane emissions.

3.17.

The livestock sector faces significant climate, biodiversity and animal welfare challenges. In some cases, farming systems and stocking densities are very intensive, depend on imports of soya and/or mineral fertilisers, exceed the land’s capacity to feed the animals and absorb their manure, and contribute to air and water pollution. However, the livestock sector is also a critical part of the solution. European livestock production operates to the highest standards, and farming systems on permanent grasslands, as well as agroforestry and livestock-related regenerative practices, provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil restoration, water retention, biodiversity protection and forest fire prevention. In this context, the protection of wetlands and the avoidance of drainage of carbon-rich organic (peat) soils used for grazing or fodder production are essential.

3.18.

Extensive, regenerative, agroforestry and organic-based livestock systems have a particular positive role to play across the EU, meeting strong consumer demand and delivering positive outcomes in terms of shortening the food chain, improving animal welfare, the environment, biodiversity and soil health. Such systems should be strongly supported by the CAP (17).

3.19.

There are real opportunities to expand and improve the circular economy strategy within the livestock sector. Major potential exists to upcycle inedible biomass into protein, convert agricultural by-products into protein or other valuable products and turn manure into renewable energy and organic fertilisers, while minimising waste, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and supporting the rural bioeconomy. Account should be taken here of the limited availability of biomass and competition for its use (18). Circular business cases have been identified with regard to wool (19) (20), leather (21), tanning by-products (22), manure (23) (24), bones (25) and feathers (26).

3.20.

The EESC recommends increasing research spending in the livestock sector with the aim of improving animal welfare and health practices and reducing the environmental footprint of the sector. Emphasis should be focused on genetics and animal breeding for feed efficiency, fertility and longevity and improved health, all of which can permanently reduce emissions intensity and reduce animal medicine usage and help the drive against anti-microbial resistance. Grazing management which optimises grazing systems and the use of multi-species swards improve pasture productivity, agroforestry, biodiversity and soil health. There is a need to improve nutrient retention and fertiliser replacement value and to reduce nutrient losses to water systems. Management technologies such as precision feeding, use of feed additives, low emission slurry spreading and improved manure management can drastically lower methane and ammonia emissions. It is also worth examining alternative uses for sheep’s wool. The development of energy-efficient housing systems and renewable energy solutions, including on-farm biogas and heat recovery systems, can improve sustainability and reduce production costs. Further research is required on technical innovation, genetic selection, circular water economies and regenerative land use to address the impact of water shortages driven by climate shifts across parts of southern Europe.

Social and consumer policy

3.21.

The livestock sector, together with its upstream and downstream sectors, is a key source of employment and a major economic factor, particularly for rural areas. Livestock farming also helps to maintain the cultural landscape and offers a wide range of leisure activities and opportunities for tourism. Investments in the livestock sector are, thus, investments that promote democracy and demography and that preserve cultures and traditions.

3.22.

In Ireland, for example, the Teagasc Sustainability Report 2024 provides a valuable measure of sustainability across Irish farms (27). It shows reducing GHG emissions in 2024 and the continuing adoption of actions and technology to address environmental emissions. On social sustainability, it highlights that Irish farming systems collectively provide enough protein provisions for 30 million people.

3.23.

Improving social sustainability is a critical challenge in the livestock sector. Fair labour practices, generational renewal, local community engagement, gender balance and farmer mental health and wellbeing are all areas that need to be addressed. The livestock sector faces an aging population and labour shortages. Future policy must lower the administrative burden and the high capital barriers for young farmers to take over livestock holdings. The important role of women must be recognised and rewarded. Employment in the livestock sector does not always generate decent livelihoods and working conditions. To deliver on the objective of social conditionality, workers’ rights must be upheld and incorporated across all policy decisions. Moreover, improved educational and training programmes which address health and wellbeing are essential. In addition, the EESC supports the important and effective role livestock farming can play in the integration of social farming and contributing positive solutions to tackling social health problems and the inclusion of people with special needs and varying degrees of vulnerability to the vitality of rural areas (28).

3.24.

Supporting the wellbeing of livestock breeders through measures for mental health support, replacement services and rural integration is also key to ensuring the viability and attractiveness of the sector. For example, managing the coexistence of wolves and bears with inhabitants of rural areas and livestock farms in the EU requires not only suitable funding measures and quick damage compensation schemes, but also civil society involvement at local and regional level and the promotion of discussion forums for livestock farmers (29).

3.25.

Consumers are showing growing interest in how food is produced and where it comes from, and they increasingly expect clear, reliable information that allows them to make informed purchasing decisions. In this context, mandatory origin labelling can provide a practical and proportionate solution by offering consistent and accessible information to consumers across the single market, strengthening transparency, and also helping to promote European food production and consumption (30). Policy options for labelling of farming environment (cage-free / open-air) are also worth exploring.

3.26.

The EU livestock strategy should adopt a food system approach and monitor changes in consumer behaviour and new consumer demands.

Brussels, 16 July 2026.

The President

of the European Economic and Social Committee

Séamus BOLAND

(1) OJ C 75, 28.2.2023, p. 97.

(2) EESC opinion on ‘EU Bioeconomy strategy’ (OJ C, C/2026/3558, 22.7.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/3558/oj).

(3) OJ C, C/2026/16, 16.1.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2026/16/oj.

(4) The Economic and Societal Importance of the Irish Suckler Beef Sector – Hennessy et al.

(5) https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/world-population-prospects-2019.html.

(6) Scenar 2040.