European Commission unveils livestock strategy and protein plan to cut import reliance and boost EU-grown proteins

The European Commission has adopted its first-ever Livestock Strategy alongside a new Protein Action Plan, setting out a long-term roadmap aimed at strengthening Europe's livestock sector while increasing the production and use of EU-grown proteins.

• The European Commission adopted its first Livestock Strategy alongside a Protein Action Plan to strengthen food security, reduce import dependencies and support rural communities.
• The Protein Action Plan targeted increasing the share of EU-sourced protein from oilseeds and protein crops from 25% in 2025 to 35% by 2035.
• The strategy introduced five priority areas covering resilience, competitiveness, sustainability, regional development and quality recognition for the livestock sector.

The package is designed to improve the resilience and competitiveness of Europe's livestock industry while reducing the bloc's dependence on imported protein. According to the Commission, only 25% of protein from oilseeds and protein crops consumed in the EU was sourced domestically in 2025. The new target is to raise that figure to 35% by 2035.

The Livestock Strategy outlines five priorities intended to address the economic, environmental and market pressures facing the sector.

The first focuses on building resilience against future crises through stronger risk management, improved insurance and reinsurance options, enhanced animal disease prevention and continued investment in climate resilience while reducing reliance on imported inputs.

The second aims to improve competitiveness both within Europe and internationally by increasing profitability, supporting innovation and improving access to finance. The Commission said it would also explore financing to help farmers transition to cage-free systems while supporting circular economy initiatives, bioeconomy projects and biomass valorization. It also plans to pursue greater alignment of production standards, particularly on animal welfare, while remaining consistent with World Trade Organization obligations.

A third priority centers on sustainability through measures tailored to different farming systems across Europe. Planned actions include evidence-based revisions to animal welfare rules covering laying hens, broilers and pigs, alongside financial support and transition periods. The Commission also intends to develop harmonized methods for calculating livestock emissions at farm level while supporting climate mitigation practices, nutrient management and more sustainable resource use.

The strategy also recognizes the importance of livestock farming to rural communities. The Commission plans to work with Member States to restore sustainable livestock production in vulnerable regions, particularly those at risk of land abandonment. It will also develop a roadmap for low-capacity and mobile slaughterhouses to support local livestock value chains, reduce animal transport distances and strengthen regional economies.

The fifth priority seeks to reinforce Europe's reputation for high-quality livestock production. Measures include stronger EU origin labeling, new quality recognition schemes highlighting higher production standards and sustainability, expanded promotion policies and continued support for geographical indications and organic production.

Running alongside the livestock strategy is the Protein Action Plan, which aims to strengthen Europe's protein supply chain by increasing domestic production, improving competitiveness and encouraging innovation across food, feed, energy and industrial applications.

The Commission said the plan recognizes the links between these sectors while encouraging investment, diversified diets and improved monitoring of Europe's protein dependencies.

Livestock farming accounts for around 40% of EU agricultural added value and generates approximately €400 billion (US$465 billion) in annual turnover. The sector employs around seven million people across four million farms throughout Europe, many of them located in rural areas with limited alternative economic opportunities.

However, the Commission acknowledged the sector faces mounting challenges, including low profitability, rising production costs, changing market conditions, recurring outbreaks of animal diseases and growing expectations around environmental performance and animal welfare.

Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, said: "Europe's livestock sector is a success story, but today it is a success story at risk. The Livestock Strategy and the Protein Plan set out one common ambition: to strengthen Europe's food security, reinforce our strategic autonomy and help sustain vibrant rural communities, especially in regions at risk of land abandonment.

"To achieve this, we must move beyond polarising debates and focus on practical solutions. We want EU farmers to be profitable and more prepared to manage risks. We are proud of Europe’s excellence in food production and want this to be valued and recognised, by enabling EU consumers to make well-informed choices. As always, my approach is based on dialogue – with farmers, Member States, industry, scientists and civil society."

Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, added: "The strategy adopted today proposes a forward-looking approach to livestock, placing animal health and animal welfare at its core. It is the result of our broad consultation process with stakeholders across the sector, especially farmers, whose views have been carefully taken into account.

"By investing in prevention, innovation and preparedness, we are helping animals and farmers alike. Today, we strengthen Europe’s ability to prevent and respond to animal diseases, while supporting higher animal welfare standards and reinforcing the resilience of the livestock sector. It is about protecting livelihoods, safeguarding food sovereignty and giving farmers the confidence to invest in the future."