What changed between the plenary report and the adopted text

Removed:EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Removed:The rapporteur underscores the livestock sector as a cornerstone of the EU economy and food security, contributing significantly to agricultural output, employment, and rural vitality. Beyond its economic role, livestock farming provides essential environmental services such as landscape management, carbon sequestration, and water regulation. As the world’s second largest meat producer and leading milk producer, the EU maintains a strong global position, with livestock playing a vital role in supplying high-quality protein and nutrients for balanced diets. Global demand for animal protein is expected to rise significantly by 2050, reinforcing the sector’s long-term relevance.

Removed:Despite this, the EU livestock sector faces mounting economic, environmental, and social pressures. Livestock populations are declining, as are meat and dairy consumption levels—except poultry. Many farmers are exiting the sector due to economic difficulties, a lack of generational renewal, and insufficient attractiveness. High production costs and rising regulatory demands on emissions and animal welfare further strain competitiveness. Meanwhile, consumers increasingly demand higher welfare standards, contributing to a shift toward less intensive models. Animal diseases such as African swine fever and avian influenza, exacerbated by climate change, present severe risks. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is also a growing concern, while the expansion of large carnivores imposes costs on pastoralism and threatens coexistence.

Removed:To address these challenges, the rapporteur welcomes the Commission’s “Vision for Agriculture and Food” and proposes establishing a High Level Group on livestock to develop a coordinated, multidimensional response. Recognising the diversity of EU livestock systems—from small-scale free-range farms to large specialised operations—tailored policy approaches are needed. This diversity strengthens resilience and should be actively promoted.

Removed:Boosting productivity and efficiency is essential for food sovereignty and meeting future protein demands. Stable incomes and better working conditions are critical to sustaining the sector, especially in mountain and disadvantaged areas where livestock farming supports employment and preserves cultural heritage. The rapporteur rejects drastic restructuring and instead advocates optimizing production and emissions through genetic improvements and best practices.

Removed:The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) remains central to supporting livestock. The rapporteur calls for maintaining the CAP budget in real terms, ensuring continued coupled support for ruminants without extra environmental conditions, and updating reference prices for market interventions. Recognising the importance of CAP subsidies to livestock incomes, especially in beef and dairy farming, the rapporteur insists on a transitional period for any new support schemes post-2027. Start-up support for young farmers, gender-inclusive measures, and improved access to land and finance are essential to attract new entrants. The forthcoming EU bio-economy strategy should recognise the circular role of livestock and promote by-product use through rendering. Compensation and long-term funding are needed for farmers affected by large carnivore attacks, while amending the Habitats Directive to manage wolf populations is encouraged.

Removed:Grassland-based systems are central to circular agriculture, contributing to ecosystem services such as biodiversity, water quality, and carbon storage. Integrating crop and livestock production enhances nutrient recycling and soil health. The rapporteur urges faster approval of alternative fertilisers like digestate and RENURE, and revision of the Nitrates Directive to reflect scientific progress. Investment in manure-based fertilizers and biogas infrastructure is critical for climate and energy goals. One-size-fits-all livestock reduction strategies risk environmental degradation, land abandonment, and biodiversity loss, and must be avoided.

Removed:Science-based policymaking is essential. The rapporteur stresses the need for transparent, evidence-based communication to counter misinformation and ensure a balanced view of livestock’s contributions and challenges. EU dietary guidelines must remain grounded in science, recognising the nutritional, cultural, and economic role of meat, dairy, and eggs, and avoiding the blanket promotion of nutritionally inferior substitutes. New food technologies like cellular agriculture must undergo rigorous safety, environmental, and market assessments to ensure they do not undermine traditional systems.

Removed:Animal diseases continue to carry severe socio-economic impacts. The rapporteur calls for improved monitoring and faster support mechanisms, integrating prevention, early detection, vaccination, and enhanced biosecurity. Collaboration among EU institutions, industry, and global partners is essential. Compensation schemes and financial support across the supply chain during outbreaks are vital. The rapporteur welcomes the Commission’s CAP simplification package proposal to reinforce crisis payments and encourages Member States to develop further risk management tools like insurance and mutual funds. High EU level animal health standards, including for wild animal vectors, must be upheld.

Removed:Facing tough global competition, the rapporteur highlights that EU producers are often held to higher environmental and animal welfare standards than their international counterparts. Ensuring reciprocity in trade agreements is essential. The rapporteur urges robust enforcement of import controls and inclusion of equivalent standards in all trade deals. Strengthening EU promotion policies for agricultural products, including animal-based goods, and supporting geographical indications (GIs) are key to ensuring quality, traceability, and rural development. Accurate labelling is critical to prevent consumer deception through “European-sounding” branding and to enhance transparency throughout the supply chain.

Removed:Lastly, the rapporteur stresses the need for continued support to help farmers meet EU standards and avoid production relocation to countries with weaker environmental and welfare regulations. A strong, sustainable EU livestock sector is indispensable for food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental stewardship in the years ahead.