The European Parliament has officially established the Intergroup on Sustainable Livestock Farming.
The initiative is a commitment to work towards solutions that make farming systems increasingly respectful of the environment and animal welfare, its founders say, as well being economically sustainable. At the same time, it aims to preserve principles such as food security and the vitality of rural communities within the European Union, deemed central to the future of the European livestock sector.
Creation of the group has been welcomed by the European Livestock Voice, a coalition of associations that includes the Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU Countries (AVEC), the European Feed Manufacturers Association (FEFAC), and Copa and Cogeca – European Farmers and European Agri-cooperatives
The intergroup will function as a bridge between policy makers and the needs of farmers, professionals and other stakeholders, facilitating the proposal and discussion of practical solutions to promote sustainability in all its dimensions – environmental, social and economic. It will also give a greater voice to rural communities in political debates.
Addressing future challenges
Commenting on the intergroup’s formation, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Benoit Cassart said: “What I observe every day in rural areas is often distant from the perspectives emerging in public institutions, which are often too orientated towards an urban vision.”
According to fellow MEP Maria Grapini, the intergroup will foster continuous interaction between the European Parliament, industry representatives, animal welfare organizations and competent authorities.
The intergroup would promote balanced and effective regulations that would improve the livestock sector’s competitiveness and improve the environment, she continued, adding that only through collective effort could a sustainable, responsible and efficient model that responds to the future’s challenges be built.
