With an increasing global population and consequently, food demand, the livestock sector is a key actor to address the challenge of global food and nutrition security. Animal productions can contribute efficiently to the European Bioeconomy for a sustainable food-chain, providing multiple benefits. Still, the sector is strongly questioned for its environmental impacts, inefficient use of resources, animal health and welfare and supposedly human health issues linked to the consumption of animal products.

Since January 2016 and at ATF-EAAP Special session, on Aug. 29th, 2016, in Belfast, the Animal Task Force has engaged a dialogue between research, farmers, industry, decision makers and european stakeholders. The aim is to provide input for public policies on the role of livestock in realising a Sustainable Bioeconomy for Europe, and to share on avenues for improvement and research needs.

During the ATF seminar, policy-makers, sector representatives, politicians, NGOs, researchers and industry experts are invited to join the discussion.

The Animal Task Force (ATF) promotes a sustainable and competitive animal production in Europe. We are a public private partnership of experts from knowledge institutes and industry representative organisations from across Europe. We work on fostering knowledge development & innovation in the whole animal production chain.


Click here to see the programme (PDF)

Final detailed report here.


Please, find below the presentations of the 6th seminar of ATF:


Introduction - Jean-Louis Peyraud, ATF President

• Introduction to the European Bioeconomy & outcomes from the SCAR 4th Foresight, John Bell, EC DG RTD, Directorate F - Bioeconomy

• A policy-maker perspective, Luc Vernet, Farm Europe

• Vision from a European NGO, Marta Messa, Slow Food

• Vision Animal Task Force European Public-Private Platform, Jean-Louis Peyraud, ATF President

Panel discussion 1, moderated by Martin Scholten, WUR

• A farmer's approach in regulating the ecological cycles, Niccolò Benedetti-Panici, Italy, Agricola Circe

• A farmer's approach in regulating the ecological cycles, Josef Pellmeyer, Germany, Eggertshof

• Reducing the “feed versus food” competition: valorising food-chain & biorefinery by-products, Ruud Tijssens, President FEFAC, European Feed Manufacturers

• Animal products providing protein-rich and safe food, Beate Kettlitz, Food for Life Technology Platform

• Biorefinery, organic fertilisation, pet food and other industrial use of animal by-products, Cécile Crespel-Darcet, Environmental division, Cooperl France

Panel discussion 2, moderated by Martin Scholten, WUR

Closing