European policy
EFFAB represents the European animal breeding and reproduction sector in European policy discussions
affecting the future of animal breeding, livestock production and aquaculture.
EFFAB members and secretariat work to ensure that the expertise and perspective of breeders, breeding companies and researchers are considered in the development of European policies.
Our work promotes science-based, proportionate and practical approaches that support animal health and welfare, sustainability, innovation and competitiveness.
EFFAB engages with European institutions, scientific organisations, the wider agri-food chain and other stakeholders to contribute the knowledge and practical experience of the animal breeding and reproduction sector to European policy discussions.
EFFAB is a crucial stakeholder in the debate around sustainable livestock and aquaculture. Our policy positions are primarily science-based and reflect the practicability in the field.
OUR KEY AREAS AND WORKING GROUPS
EFFAB's policy work focuses on three key areas:
- Animal Welfare
- Animal Health
- New Genome Techniques
To support its work in these areas, EFFAB has established dedicated working groups bringing together experts from its member organisations.
The working groups provide a space for members to exchange knowledge, follow policy and scientific developments, identify challenges and opportunities, and coordinate EFFAB's contributions to European discussions.
By bringing together the expertise and practical experience of its members, the working groups help EFFAB develop informed contributions and common positions on issues relevant to the animal breeding and reproduction sector.
Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare is a vital part of animal breeding programmes and activities. Animal welfare encompasses the physical and mental wellbeing of animals, including their health, living conditions, ability to express natural behaviours, and protection from pain, injury, disease and unnecessary stress. EFFAB follows developments in this area and promotes the role of responsible breeding in supporting animal health, resilience and welfare, while contributing to science-based approaches and continuous improvements in animal production
Established in 2026, the Animal Welfare Working Group brings together EFFAB members to discuss developments related to animal welfare and the role that responsible breeding can play in improving animal health, welfare and sustainable production.
Animal Health
Animal health is essential for sustainable and responsible livestock production. EFFAB follows European developments in animal health policy and promotes the role that responsible breeding can play in disease prevention, resilience and improved animal health. Animal Health includes: Robustness, Disease resistance, Udder health, Gut health, Cardiovascular and respiratory functions.
Since 2016, the RepVet Group is EFFAB's working group dedicated to veterinary and animal health matters. It brings together experts from EFFAB members to follow developments in animal health policy, research and practice, and to advice the EU Commission regarding the European legislative framework, as well as regarding the biosecurity of artificial reproduction of farm animals.
Moreover, the RepVet Group organises every year the AI VETs conference, gathering experts in animal insemination and reproduction within the porcine and bovine sectors for two days of scientific exchange, innovation and networking.
New Genomic Techniques
EFFAB follows developments on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) and their potential applications in animal breeding. We advocate for a clear, science-based and proportionate regulatory framework that enables responsible research and innovation while safeguarding animal health, animal welfare and food safety.
Established in 2026, the NGT Working Group brings together members with relevant scientific, technical and policy expertise to follow regulatory developments, exchange knowledge and contribute to discussions on the responsible use of these technologies in Europe.
Communication
The work of these groups is supported by the Communication Working Group, which closely follows their activities and developments and provides broader support to EFFAB’s policy work, projects and initiatives, helping to coordinate and communicate their activities and outcomes.
ADditional areas of work
Patent watch group
Since the adoption of the EU Patent Directive in 1998, legal protection for biological inventions has become much clearer in Europe.
Patent may be a useful tool in many instances, providing a 20-year monopoly to the inventor of a new and useful product or process; a patent is a fair return to innovators and an incentive to technical progress.
In response to this risk, Patent Watch was set up by EFFAB in 2005, to prevent broad patents and already established business. The EFFAB Patent Watch is a voluntary service for members. Participating members jointly decide on the patent applications to be watched and the costs for the service (patent attorney, organisation of the watch) are shared equally. There are four meetings by teleconference per year.
For more information, please contact effab[at]effab.info
Code EFABAR Working Group
The Code EFABAR Working Group brings together EFFAB members to oversee the revision of the Code EFABAR, EFFAB's Code of Good Practice for Responsible and Balanced Breeding.
The Code is reviewed approximately every three years to ensure that it reflects the latest scientific knowledge, societal expectations and developments in responsible breeding.
EFFAB's policy work is closely connected to research and innovation. Scientific knowledge and technological developments are essential to addressing the challenges facing animal breeding and reproduction and to supporting a more sustainable livestock and aquaculture sector.
EFFAB also works closely with organisations across the agri-food chain, research community and wider stakeholder community. These collaborations help ensure that the perspective of animal breeding is considered in broader discussions on sustainable food systems, innovation and European agriculture.