Actions to promote sustainable and competitive livestock systems in the EU
An overview of the main issues faced by livestock systems and solutions that could enable greater sustainability within different parts of the sector.
- Programming period: 2023-2027
This factsheet summarises the findings of the EU CAP Network’s Thematic Group (TG) on the CAP's Role in Supporting Sustainable and Competitive Livestock Systems, which took place between January and April 2026. It provides an overview of the main issues faced and solutions identified that could enable greater sustainability within different parts of the livestock sector.
The factsheet explores the four broad areas identified by the TG members as necessary to improve the sustainability of livestock systems:
- the way the land is managed
- the interaction between farmers and the value chain
- communication and consumer awareness
- attractiveness of rural areas as places to live and work
No one type of action can work alone – actions from the field through the value chain to consumer behaviour are all necessary to achieve long-lasting change. The factsheet includes practical examples that were explored by the TG and can provide inspiration.
As with all forms of agriculture, livestock must also play its part in addressing agriculture’s harmful environmental and climate impacts. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different pathways exist for transitioning to more sustainable livestock production systems, and they must take into account the diversity of different territorial contexts.
Learn more about the work of this TG on its landing page and explore other work by the EU CAP Network on the role of the CAP to enhance biodiversity on farmland, improve water resilience in rural areas, address the economic vulnerability of farming and unlock the potential of cooperation.
Author(s)
EU CAP Network
