European livestock farming boasts the world record for productivity, combining quantity and quality that make the EU model central to contemporary debates.

European animal husbandry holds a unique global record, distinguished by its highest average production level. This result does not only translate into quantity, but into a quality that places Europe at the forefront of crucial contemporary debates.

The efficiency of our continent’s livestock sector is demonstrated by objective data. Consider that gas emissions derived from animal production in Europe are, on average, 2–2.5 times lower than those recorded in the rest of the world. Furthermore, European standards guarantee a level of welfare for farmed animals that is incomparable to that maintained in other geographical areas.

All these combined results ensure a direct and tangible benefit for citizens: they provide food of animal origin at affordable prices for the vast majority of the almost 750 million inhabitants, including non-EU countries, thus guaranteeing an adequate diet for almost our entire population. This scenario of excellence, with its high standards of efficiency and sustainability, is not the result of a historical heritage or acquired rights. It is, instead, the outcome of a continuous and complex synergy of interconnected factors.

Success stems from prepared and efficient farmers, from high-level livestock industries rooted throughout the entire territory, and we like to emphasize, from a high-quality research sector, supported by its professionals. It is fundamental to understand that the maintenance of these high standards, which we enjoy, critically depends on the continuous support for scientific research. For this research to maintain its current qualified levels, it must be supported.

In this regard, it is vital to remember that research in agriculture and animal husbandry is an extremely profitable investment: it is estimated that every Euro invested in research yields between 4 and 10 Euros in the long term and generates an immediate Return on Investment (ROI) of +20/30% per year. We must all make it clear to those in decision-making power that without our research, we would not have the current situation, where we rightly address the important effects of production, such as environmental sustainability.

We must remember, and EAAP always reminds those concerned, that this is possible because today we have high productive efficiency. To maintain it, and to continue to be a global model of excellence and sustainability, research must always be supported.

Source: Newsletter EAAP n.285