The European Commission has presented its first Livestock Strategy, setting out a long-term approach to keep the sector resilient, competitive, and sustainable. The strategy is designed to help livestock farmers deal with rising costs, market pressures, environmental demands, and animal disease risks, while recognising the sector's vital role in food security and rural communities.

The strategy is based on five priorities: better crisis preparedness, stronger competitiveness, more sustainable production, support for all farms and regions, and greater recognition of quality in EU livestock products. Planned measures include stronger risk-management tools, support for disease prevention, improved access to finance, progress on animal welfare, and actions to strengthen local livestock value chains and rural economies.

Alongside this, the Commission adopted a Protein Action Plan to reduce Europe's dependence on imported protein and increase the use of EU-grown protein crops. The plan aims to raise the share of protein from oilseeds and protein crops sourced in the EU from 25% in 2025 to 35% by 2035. Together, the two initiatives are intended to build a stronger, more self-sufficient, and more resilient European agri-food system.

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