Sustainable livestock systems – what does this mean ?

Topic 2023

The EU will introduce a Framework Law on Sustainable Food Systems in 2023. In this context, what are sustainable livestock systems, which common ground could they have and how will they differ from region to region? Policymakers, civil society, NGOs, consumers, the agri-food sector and scientists all want to better define and contribute to more sustainable livestock systems. However, there is no clear definition of what a sustainable livestock system is, how to assess the state of existing systems, and the direction in which they must evolve. In the meanwhile, food security has grown in importance because of the recent crisis occurring in Europe. How to combine food security, resilience and sustainability should be at the centre of research and innovation and policy initiatives.

This topic will explore the key attributes of sustainable livestock systems, the trade-offs and synergies between different aspects of the systems and their interactions with other parts of the food system. It will also explore how current livestock systems can evolve to be more sustainable and will examine methodologies to assess the sustainability of livestock systems.

  • The benefits and trade-offs of livestock systems from an economic, social and environment viewpoint
  • Assessing the sustainability of livestock systems and its different levels
  • Barriers for young farmers to enter livestock farming systems
  • The role of livestock systems in rural economies and job creation
  • The role of livestock systems in providing nutrient-rich and affordable foods
  • Sustainability and healthy and robust livestock
  • Livestock systems in the context of climate change and the effects of heat and water shortage
  • Intrinsic qualities of livestock products in food and non-food uses
  • The place of animal welfare concerns in sustainable livestock systems and benefits/trade-offs with the three main pillars of sustainability
  • Contribution to culture
  • Tools to assess and improve sustainability; e.g. development of new metrics, feeding and breeding…

 

Videos – ATF seminar