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In February of 2022, the Commissioner for Agriculture of the European Union announced the creation of a European Pigmeat Reflection Group to look into the future of the sector. The main aim was to have an-depth insight into all aspects of the sector with a particular view to its sustainability.
The Group has now concluded its series of seven meetings. From March 2022 to January 2023, stakeholders and national experts met to review all aspects of the sector, to ensure its sustainability and resilience in socio-economic, environmental, animal health and welfare terms.
The pigmeat sector has made significant improvements despite the numerous challenges it has faced over the last year including price volatility, African Swine Fever, and the increase of input costs. Stakeholders highlighted the improved manure management in the EU, the reduction of feed import, and the role of the sector in ensuring food security.
Key recommendations for a more sustainable pigmeat sector include encouraging Member States to use all CAP tools available such as sector-related interventions. In terms of environmental challenge, it suggests developing a framework for manure management and to support local bio-gas solutions based on slurry, residues and waste. On animal health, efficient biosecurity measures and the management of wild boars can be improved through national action plans and the implementation of all available tools, including under the CAP. Finally on animal welfare, focus is made on maintaining a science-based approach in all regulatory steps and promoting EU standards in particular within the framework of free trade agreements.
January 19, 2023/ copa-cogeca and European Commission/ European Union.
https://copa-cogeca.eu
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu
