EFFAB AGM 2022

EFFAB & FABRE TP members gathered in Évora, Portugal (and online), over the 3^rd and 4^th of May for the Annual General Meeting 2022.

During the meetings, we had the opportunity to discuss new technologies and their relation with social sciences, the research priorities for animal breeding and reproduction, crisis preparedness and food security, as well as, the ongoing initiatives at animal welfare level and the revision of Code EFABAR for 2023. Throughout the two days, representatives from the animal breeding and reproduction sector exchanged with representatives from the European Commission, the scientific community, and other stakeholders along the livestock and aquaculture chain.

EFFAB AGM 2022 Animal Breeding & Sustainability – challenges for the Breeding sector

The EFFAB Annual Meeting started off with a keynote speech from Frédéric Leroy (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) where reflections on the future of animal farming and animal sourced food in human diets, were discussed. Frédéric provided many interesting insights on the narratives built by some actors against the consumption of animal products.  

Following the speech, the panel session featured presentations from, António Tavares (COPA-COGECA), Jaime Piçarra (IACA - FEFAC), and Brigitte Misonne (European Commission) under the topic: Animal Breeding under the European Green Deal - how to address food security and climate change challenges.  The overarching discussion focused on how a holistic approach and collaboration between all actors along the chain is key for crisis preparedness. All speakers also highlighted that the big challenge for food security in Europe is reflected on rising costs and prices, and the big problem in regards to food security will happen outside our borders.

Subsequently, the EFFAB Secretariat and Trine Vig Tamstorf (SEGES) presented the main policy actions for animal breeding sector, with a strong emphasis on the animal welfare legislation revision initiatives and the activities conducted by EFFAB and with other stakeholders at the EU level.   

Another crucial element of the meeting was the reflection about the Code EFABAR Revision of 2023 - the code of good practices for responsible and balanced animal breeding. The Code is renewed and updated every 3 years to reflect the latest developments in the field and societal expectations. EFFAB will start the reflection of next version soon and will include other stakeholders and the scientific community to ensure transparency and clarity.  

Regarding the Steering Committee of EFFAB, Craig Lewis (Chair, PIC) has been elected for a new mandate of Chair and representative of the pigs sector. On the ruminants sector, we warmly thank Pascale Parisot (Allice) for all her work throughout the years and welcome Clotilde Patry as the new representative of the ruminants sector on the EFFAB Steering Committee.