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There was once a time when the older generation mentioned that it was possible to eat chicken in the 40’s or 50’s only during Christmas season. Today that is an inconceivable notion, especially when poultry-based protein, be it in the form of meat or egg, is present on all our shelves, and is also the cheapest animal protein.
In a time when the livestock sector is at the epicenter of public debates in Europe and beyond, certain interest groups aim to spread myths and radical perspectives. They’re increasingly present in social networks and the press, and represent an image that brutally contrasts with the reality that thousands of European farmers experience daily, as well as the professionals who work with them.
These debates have a strong impact on consumer opinion about the role of animal products and their lifestyle choices. Similarly, they also push the sector into a corner of society. All this negatively affects the European Union’s livestock model and on the political framework, multiplying the challenges facing our farming communities in terms of ensuring their economic viability, generational renewal and their ability to adapt to social and environmental requirements.
As stated in a press release by the “European Livestock Voice”, the EU’s livestock model, whose farms have a diversified, local and family structure, is the backbone of the EU’s rural areas. In addition to supporting numerous jobs and industries, it contributes to the circular approach of the European Union’s bio-economy.
An ‘exit’ of the sector from Europe would cause:
Loss of essential pasture land
Increased forest fires
Vast grounds devoid of organic fertilizers, green energy and many other raw materials and would amplify rural exodus.
At the same time, it would be forced to depend on imports, losing control over production standards and increasing the demand for materials and materials derived from fossil fuels.
Improving livestock efficiency
In this line, and emphasizing society’s lack of knowledge regarding poultry production, it is important to start by pointing out that veterinary medicine has been improving livestock efficiency for 50 years:
Livestock are responsible for the lives of almost 1.3 billion people, representing 40% of the agriculture produced by developed countries and 20% in developing countries, providing essential sources of food.
Animal p...
