EFFAB welcomes the publication of the outcome report of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture 

Brussels, 05 September 2024 

 The European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders (EFFAB) welcomes the publication of the outline report of the Strategic Dialogue Report on the Future of EU Agriculture. We commend the European Commission and all involved stakeholders for their extensive efforts to outline a sustainable and resilient path forward for Europe’s agriculture and food systems.  

While we regret that EFFAB was unable to contribute further to the discussions, we are deeply encouraged by the focus on promoting sustainable farming practices and fighting polarisation around agriculture.  

Animal breeding has an essential role to play in the transition toward more sustainable farming systems. Our sector supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improves animal welfare, and contributes to most of the guiding principles and recommendations set out by the Strategic Dialogue.  

It is encouraging to see the role of genetics highlighted in Creating Pathways for Sustainable Animal Farming in the EU through ‘’ (...)modern genetics can improve the feed conversion rate and reduce feed losses(...)’’. However, the contributions of the animal breeding community (both breeders and scientists) to sustainability don’t start or end here. They are described in Code EFABAR, the code of good practices for responsible and balanced farm, terrestrial and aquatic animal breeding. 

Nonetheless, we are pleased to see the proposal to create a European Board of Agriculture and Food, and count on the scope of participants to be broader in this format, allowing animal breeders to be involved and share their knowledge in the sustainability of our food systems. 

Animal breeding and genetics play a key role in shaping tomorrow's animal farming, together with farmers, and acknowledging citizens' and policymakers’ concerns.   

About EFFAB   

EFFAB (European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders) represents the sector of animal breeding and reproduction in Europe. From ruminants to insects, from conventional to organic systems, from small to global companies, we aim at genetically improving various farm animal species, to better meet the challenges of sustainability and animal welfare. Technology, responsible science, and innovation are key to our work and to the future of farming. www.effab.info    

About balanced breeding   

Balanced and responsible breeding means finding a sustainable compromise for the people, the planet, and for farmed animals by including in breeding programs traits related to the health and welfare of animals, to reduce the environmental impacts and the use of resources, and to improve the quality of the animal products (milk, meat, fish meat and eggs) whilst keeping genetic diversity. The Code of good practices for Responsible and Balanced Breeding (Code EFABAR) developed by EFFAB for EFFAB members delivers the principles and criteria to implement modern animal breeding.    

More information about Code EFABAR can be found here.