EU green policy: food security risk increases due to decline in livestock

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 09. 24. 13:20

🎧 Hallgasd a cikket: Nyelv: Sebesség: 1.05×

The livestock population in the European Union is continuously decreasing, caused by strict animal husbandry and environmental regulations, says a study by the European Livestock Voice (ELV). According to the organization, the process is not a temporary but a permanent trend that could lead to a weakening of food security.

In 2024, the pig population will have decreased by 0.5 percent, the number of cattle by 2.8 percent, sheep by 1.7 percent, and goats by 1.6 percent. In the past decade, according to Eurostat data, the number of pigs has fallen by 8.1 percent, cattle by 8.7 percent, sheep by 9.4 percent, and goats by 16.3 percent.

According to the ELV, the decline is due to environmental and regulatory pressure, rising production costs, changing consumer habits, and recurring agricultural crises. The number of farms has also fallen dramatically, especially among livestock and mixed farms.

The organization warns that the EU is increasingly importing meat from countries with lower animal welfare and food safety standards, increasing consumer risks while reducing Europe’s food security.