Euromontana joined the EU CAP Network’s new Thematic Group on Livestock on Thursday 29 January in Brussels. This new thematic group, composed of 40 stakeholders, will explore ways to improve how the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans are used to support a transition to more sustainable and competitive livestock systems.    

This first meeting was an opportunity to discuss Member States’ experiences in designing and implementing CAP interventions that promote the sustainability and competitiveness of different livestock production models, as well as the various challenges to overcome. The discussion takes place as the European Commission prepares an EU Strategy for livestock, expected by mid-2026, which will set the direction of the sector for years to come.  

Europe’s livestock system is very diverse, with a variety of models presented and discussed, from intensive and mixed systems to extensive mountain farming and silvopastoralism. Euromontana highlighted that a future Livestock Strategy should be science based, wholistic, and consider all dimensions, including the economic, social, environmental, cultural and territorial aspects of livestock farming.  

Mountain farming plays a key role in Europe’s agricultural production, accounting for 18% of farms and 15% of the utilised agricultural area in the European Union. However, due to the geographical constraints of mountain areas, agricultural productivity is 40% lower and farmers’ incomes 20.4% lower than in other areas. Mountain areas are also among the most vulnerable to land abandonment, whilst populations of sheep and goats in pastoral systems are in decline.  

Maintaining and supporting extensive grass-based livestock farming in mountain areas, is therefore vital. Euromontana envisages a Livestock strategy that contributes to a wholistic vision of sustainability by recognising the specific challenges of mountain farming, preventing land abandonment, supporting biodiversity, valorising mountain products and preserving traditional landscapes.  

The next meeting of this EU CAP network thematic group will be held on 15 April in Lisbon. Euromontana will continue to discuss mountain farming and extensive livestock systems in the run up to the 2026 European Mountain Convention, which will address the same topic.