EU adopts first-ever livestock strategy to boost sector resilience
Plan covers animal welfare, competitiveness and protein self-sufficiency
9 July 2026
1 minute read
By: The European Commission has adopted its first Livestock Strategy, setting out a long-term vision to keep Europe's livestock sector strong and resilient while addressing economic, environmental and market challenges.
The strategy identifies five priorities: crisis resilience, competitiveness both within the EU and globally, sustainability, support for all farm types and regions, and excellence in production. It is accompanied by a Protein Action Plan aimed at reducing Europe's dependence on imported protein, with a target to increase the share of EU-grown protein from oilseeds and protein crops from 25% to 35% by 2035.
On animal welfare, the strategy proposes targeted revisions for laying hens, broilers and pigs, with transition periods and financial support. The Commission said it will work on greater alignment of international production standards in line with World Trade Organisation obligations.
To support competitiveness, the Commission said it will explore access to finance for the transition to cage-free systems, strengthen agri-food diplomacy to open new markets, and develop a European Excellence scheme to better recognise higher production standards.
Livestock farming accounts for about 40% of EU agricultural added value and generates €400 billion in annual turnover, employing around seven million people on four million farms across Europe, often in areas with few other economic opportunities.
The strategy builds on more than a year of dialogue with member states, farmers, industry representatives and civil society.
