Livestock farming, especially extensive and semi-extensive farming, is an essential, necessary and beneficial activity for the whole of society. The Secretary of International Relations of UPA, José Manuel Roche, presented the ideas at a meeting in Brussels organized by Interbev with the participation of the Ministers of Agriculture of France, Austria and Slovenia, MEPs and institutions such as the FAO.
Livestock farming in Europe is a sustainable activity, integrated into the territory, which contributes to the maintenance of life in rural areas, since it generates economy and employment, and which brings important environmental benefits, being a fundamental part in the maintenance of areas of pasture and mountain, where the presence of animals is essential for proper maintenance, say UPA.
The Organization defends that it is “essential” to safeguard and protect livestock, ensuring fair prices for producers and adequate aid to the CAP, recognizing the importance of practices such as grazing and all the intangible cultural heritage it entails.
The Farm to Table and Biodiversity strategies, as well as the European Green Pact as a whole, mark a way forward for Europe to bet on protecting its livestock, of which extensive livestock constitutes an “exemplary model of sustainable production” in environmental, social and economic terms.