The European livestock and meat sector is key for a sustainable agri-food chain – that should not forget the importance of trade
UECBV, the European Livestock and Meat Trade Union, welcomes in principle the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food in shaping an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations. UECBV supports the need for an attractive, competitive, future-oriented, fair and resilient system putting research, innovation knowledge and skills at the heart of Europe’s agri-food economy to tackle global challenges.
UECBV published already a year ago it’s own vision showing a fully resilient agri-food system, providing food and nutrition security to all EU population and beyond, while continuously increasing sustainability in all dimensions — economic, environmental and social — for a long-term prosperous strive of people and planet together. For this, livestock and meat are central and essential.
We appreciate that our daily efforts on the ground are not taken for granted. Competitiveness is essential to sustaining vibrant and economically prosperous communities and whole rural areas. It is good to see that from the start of the Commission’s Agri-Food Vision the role of food as a strategic sector is stressed - food security, safety and sovereignty are non-negotiable.
UECBV also welcomes renewed support of the agri-promotion scheme, and would wish for the high protein density of animal products to be further upheld as agri-food tool for Europe’s strategic autonomy.
What is further appreciated as well is the vital sentence that this vision is adapted to new realities.
But UECBV is worried about efforts that flanks simplification as essential for the food sector – we are looking forward to more steps to really reduce bureaucratic burden along the chain.
Our 5 key pillars are differently reflected in the EU Commission’s vision – four in, one out, which needs to be reinforced:
Circularity: it is the essence of our sector, e.g. in valorising all parts of the animal.
Overarching goals and sustainability aspects: defining societal goals, recognising nutrition security and resilience being key. A wide variety of benefits to the population: we are proud of giving healthy nutrition for all population groups, life to European heritage and rural landscapes. Animals are key: the sector’s focus is on health and welfare.
Some more focus on the Single market and trade is missing: They allow for increased circularity and prosperity of the whole agri-food chain. Local and regional production cannot be sustainable without trade, inside and outside the EU; using the whole animal at its best, highlighting special competences in certain regions, and climatic conditions in others demand an easy movement of animals and products.
UECBV Sec Gen Karsten Maier underlines: «We are striving to further EU nutrition security and support global demands sustainably. Based on that UECBV is willing to contribute to the changes and adaptations incl. strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of sensitive sectors such as livestock developing a comprehensive plan to create a more self-sufficient and sustainable system. With the right support in all steps of our shared vision, we will be transmitting healthy food production in the livestock and meat sector for future generations».
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