Answer given by Mr Mimica on behalf of the Commission
16.5.2017
The High Level Panel of Experts for Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) Report[1] on sustainable agricultural development highlights the crucial economic and social role that livestock plays in many food systems, providing income, wealth and employment. It emphasises its contribution to animal-sourced foods, markets and services, which are crucial for Food Security and Nutrition. The report proposes the adoption of context-specific pathways enabling the transition towards more sustainable agricultural and food systems for Food Security and Nutrition.
The Commission supports EU agriculture through the common agricultural policy (CAP) contributing to food security while ensuring environmental sustainability. Sustainable livestock production practices can be seen as valuable examples of such farming systems that enable high production values while maintaining an outstanding environment.
As flagged in the proposed new European Consensus on Development, sustainable agriculture, including livestock, remains a key driver for poverty eradication and sustainable development. Investments in sustainable agriculture are needed to diversify production systems, prevent malnutrition and generate increases in productivity and jobs.
This is translated in Africa, by a EUR 19 million ‘Live2Africa[2] programme’ contributing to the implementation of the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa[3] (LiDeSA), adopted by all African countries to harmonise regional and national livestock policies.
This is complemented by livestock-related interventions at national and regional level amounting to around EUR 500 million[4].