ERA joins ELV: working together to protect and promote the advantages of EU livestock farming
The European Rabbit Association is now a member of the European Livestock Voice (ELV), a coalition of European stakeholders in the EU livestock sector, united to promote the social and global value of livestock production and provide a balanced perspective in ongoing debates.
Professionals in the sector are increasingly encountering misinformation, often without the means or ability to respond effectively. ELV is convinced that livestock, in all its variations, has provided and will continue to provide numerous benefits to Europe, all the while making continuous improvements in its practices. Livestock plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security, preserving Europe's diverse agricultural and culinary traditions, and has significant economic, social, and environmental importance.
Why is livestock important?
Imagining a world without livestock would bring about numerous consequences, including the loss of a circular bio-economy, rural decline and increased urbanisation, challenges to European food culture, and uncertain impacts on carbon footprints.
It is worth noting that livestock plays a crucial role in the circular bio-economy by recycling food-chain by-products and upcycling inedible resources. Moreover, livestock regulates ecological cycles, improves soil fertility, and sequesters carbon. Surprisingly, the expected reduction in carbon emissions may not materialize, as pastoral landscapes would be difficult to maintain.
Why is ERA joining ELV?
For ERA, it is important that the various stakeholders join forces to preserve and promote the numerous benefits of livestock farming. There are many challenges at EU level and the European rabbit sector looks forward to taking them up jointly with the ELV’s members.