EFFAB contribution on the future EU Livestock Strategy
10 April 2026On April 10, EFFAB has submitted, following a consultation with its members, its contribution to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence for the upcoming EU Livestock Strategy.
THE UPCOMING EU LIVESTOCK STRATEGY
The Livestock Strategy, announced as part of the Vision for Agriculture and Food, should help the EU livestock sector become crisis resilient, globally competitive and sustainable across economic, social and environmental dimensions. It is expected by June 2026, alongside a Protein Plan, and it will take a cross-policy approach covering the CAP, environment and climate, animal health and welfare, R&I, and trade. The Call for Evidence specifically sought input on opportunities and solutions to the sector's challenges.
EFFAB CONTRIBUTION
EFFAB’s response highlights key priorities that the future Strategy should address from a breeding and genetics perspective. These include:
- The role of genetic improvement and the preservation of animal genetic resources
- Alignment with EU legislation on animal welfare, animal health, and the bioeconomy
- On-farm sustainability benchmarking, including the use of the Code EFABAR
- Strengthening research and innovation to support sustainable livestock systems
- Improving data management and the use and expanding of toolbox in breeding programmes
Together, these elements underline the importance of animal breeding and genetics as key drivers of sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness in the livestock sector.
LOOKING AHEAD
The public Call for Evidence received a strong response, with 893 contributions submitted from a wide range of stakeholders, including citizens, NGOs, businesses, research organisations, public authorities, and other interest groups. This demonstrates the high level of engagement around the future of the EU livestock sector. In this framework, EFFAB will continue to actively engage in the development of the EU Livestock Strategy, remaining available to support the European Commission and contributing to further expertise as the proposal develops for the benefit of the livestock breeding sector in Europe.