Commission launches new Livestock Workstream as Part of the Vision for Agriculture and Food

Today, the first meeting of the workstream on livestock launched by Commissioner Hansen at the Conference on 8 May, will take place - a key component of the Vision for Agriculture and Food. Livestock is, and will always be, an essential part of EU agriculture, competitiveness, and cohesion. This workstream, composed of all representative stakeholders, will work to develop long-term policy pathways for a robust and sustainable EU livestock sector—one that is economically viable, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive.

As underlined in the Vision for Agriculture and Food, livestock production in the EU is particularly vulnerable to different shocks and global competition, ranging from shifting consumer expectations to climate and environmental demands. Recognising the diversity of livestock systems across the EU, this initiative seeks to shape a future in which the sector continues to provide high-quality food, while also contributing to the preservation of biodiversity, climate-resilient landscapes, and vibrant rural areas.

The first meeting will be held in Brussels and will bring together stakeholders from across the supply chain, Member State authorities, academics, and civil society.

Participants will explore two major themes:

• How to build a fair and market-remunerative livestock supply chain, and
• How to adapt CAP support to encourage sustainable livestock systems.

The discussion is the first step in a broader, consultative process. The coming months will see a series of thematic meetings with further engagement between stakeholders, Member States and the Commission. The process will provide an evidence-based framework to adjust policies—both within and outside the scope of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)—to support a sustainable and competitive livestock sector.

The European Commission is committed to ensuring an inclusive and transparent process, drawing on the experience and perspectives of farmers, policymakers, experts, and civil society. The livestock workstream will be a vital part of the Vision for Agriculture and Food and the further development of the agriculture sector in general.