The European Commission unveiled its long-awaited Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan. The European Dairy Association EDA welcomes this direction. The Strategy and the Plan acknowledge the essential role of Europe’s diverse livestock sectors and the importance of increasing domestic protein production to build a more resilient, circular and sustainable food system.

EDA welcomes a Livestock Strategy built on resilience, competitiveness, sustainability, territoriality and excellence, recognising that Europe’s diverse livestock sectors require tailored solutions to secure their long-term competitiveness and sustainability. EDA supports the publication of the European Commission’s Livestock Strategy, recognising it as an important step towards a resilient, competitive and sustainable future for European livestock farming.

The Protein Action Plan is a natural complement to the Livestock Strategy. Strengthening Europe’s protein self-sufficiency is a key step towards increasing the resilience of the entire agri-food chain. EDA particularly welcomes the recognition of the role that roughage plays in sustainable livestock production. It is positive to see that many strengths of the European dairy sector, such as locally produced feed, is increasingly recognised as an important contributor to Europe’s strategic autonomy.