European Dairy Association Supports EU Livestock and Protein Initiatives

The European Commission recently unveiled its Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan, which have been positively received by the European Dairy Association (EDA). The Livestock Strategy is designed to promote resilience, competitiveness, sustainability, territoriality, and excellence within Europe's diverse livestock sectors. The EDA sees this as a crucial step in ensuring the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of these sectors.

The Strategy aims to provide a framework for competitive and resilient animal agriculture in Europe, focusing on making livestock thrive across the continent. It acknowledges the unique characteristics and needs of different livestock sectors, suggesting that tailored solutions are necessary for their continued success.

In addition to the Livestock Strategy, the EU Protein Action Plan has been introduced to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy through sustainable feed production. This plan is seen as a natural complement to the Livestock Strategy, with a focus on increasing Europe's protein self-sufficiency to boost the resilience of the entire agri-food chain.

The EDA particularly commends the acknowledgment of roughage's role in sustainable livestock production. The importance of locally produced feed, a strength of the European dairy sector, is recognized as a significant contributor to Europe's strategic autonomy.

Overall, the EDA supports the publication of these initiatives by the European Commission, viewing them as vital steps towards a sustainable future for European livestock farming.