Report: EU Livestock Farming Has “Major Negative Consequences”, Consumption Patterns Must Change

The recent Mansholt Lecture hosted by Wageningen University & Research highlighted the major negative consequences of livestock farming in the EU and emphasized the need for a change in consumption patterns. The report discussed key dilemmas surrounding self-sufficiency, animal agriculture, climate and biodiversity targets, competing claims for land, and behavioral interventions. It pointed out the need for government interventions to influence consumers towards more sustainable consumption patterns, while also acknowledging the potential resistance that may arise from restrictions on freedom of choice.

Efforts to address these dilemmas are interconnected, with decisions in one area affecting options in others. The report emphasized the importance of whole-of-society approaches to shaping the future of food and non-food biobased systems, nature and biodiversity outcomes, and overall quality of life in the EU. Ultimately, the report called for a shift towards more sustainable practices in agriculture and consumption to mitigate the negative impacts of current livestock farming practices in the region.