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Adaptation to climate change in European livestock farming

Climate change presents growing challenges for European livestock farmers. To maintain production stability and animal welfare, the implementation of innovative adaptive methods has become essential. European farmers are not only responding to changing conditions but also taking proactive measures to prepare their farms for future challenges. What are these initiatives? Read on to find out!


Animal comfort in new weather realities

High temperatures and humidity can negatively affect the health and productivity of livestock. That’s why an increasing number of European farms are investing in modern infrastructure. Barns and pigsties are being equipped with ventilation, cooling, and thermal insulation systems to minimize heat stress in animals. Additionally, the use of technologies such as temperature sensors enables real-time monitoring of the microclimate in livestock buildings1!

Diet modification as a key to resilience

Changing climate conditions also call for adjustments in livestock diets. European farmers are incorporating high-nutritional-value feeds that help animals withstand stress. Mineral and vitamin supplements play a crucial role in maintaining animal health, which translates into better farming efficiency. Such measures support both animal welfare and the quality of animal-derived products2.

Selecting suitable breeds for challenging conditions

Choosing livestock breeds resilient to extreme weather is a key aspect of adapting to climate change. In Europe, farmers increasingly favor local breeds that are better suited to specific climatic conditions. An example is the breeding of cattle breeds with higher tolerance to high temperatures, enabling the maintenance of high-quality production even under more challenging climate scenarios3.

Technology and collaboration for the future

Modern technologies, such as animal health monitoring systems and data management tools, play a crucial role in European livestock farming. These innovations enable farmers to respond more quickly to changing conditions and optimize production processes. Advanced solutions, like artificial intelligence and data analytics, assist in better herd management and minimizing losses.

At the same time, European farmers actively participate in research programs and training initiatives that provide insights into best adaptive practices. Collaboration with universities, research institutes, and international organizations fosters the exchange of experiences and drives innovation, strengthening sustainable livestock farming across the European region4.

European livestock farming and the future of food production

Adapting to climate change is not only a challenge for modern farmers but also an opportunity to develop a more sustainable and efficient livestock sector. Through investments in technology, education, and research, European farmers are becoming leaders in adapting to new conditions.

If you’d like to learn more about sustainable practices in European agriculture, check out other articles on our blog!


1 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/sustainability/environmental-sustainability/sustainable-agricultural-practices-and-methods_pl 

2 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/sustainability/environmental-sustainability/cap-and-environment_pl 

3 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/animal-products_en 

4 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/sustainability/research-and-innovation_en

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The “Taste Europe!” program, a continuation of long-standing promotional activities, focuses on promoting high-quality European food products such as beef and pork (fresh, chilled, frozen) as well as apples and their products in the markets of Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore. Strategic promotional efforts, including effective business meetings and efficient communication, highlight the unique features of European food — its distinctive taste, quality, and favorable climatic and cultivation conditions, while also emphasizing a commitment to animal welfare.

By enhancing the reputation of the European brand, we underscore the commitment of EU producers to employing advanced breeding and production methods. These practices comply with international standards such as HACCP, GMP, GHP, GAP, ISO, which ensure the safety and high quality of the products offered. The project aims not only to promote European food but also to establish long-term commercial relationships, increasing awareness of European production standards. The program is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the global position of European food, opening up new opportunities for EU producers.

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