Rising poultry meat consumption in Europe and globally is increasing pressure on the EU poultry sector to remain competitive while meeting growing sustainability demands, according to AVEC, the European Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade. AVEC recently joined ENAJ to strengthen dialogue with journalists and other stakeholders.
The association represents the European poultry meat sector in dealings with EU institutions, policymakers, stakeholders and the media.
“AVEC wants to promote a competitive, sustainable and innovative European poultry sector while ensuring that consumers continue to have access to safe, nutritious and affordable food,” says Secretary General Birthe Steenberg.
© Bernal Revert/ BR&U
AVEC’s members are national poultry associations from across Europe, representing companies involved in poultry processing and trade.
According to the association, the European poultry sector directly employs around 370,000 people, supports more than 25,000 family farms and contributes more than €38 billion a year to the European economy.
AVEC is calling for policies that strengthen competitiveness and cut unnecessary administrative burdens. It also wants livestock, including poultry, to be recognised as a strategic sector for Europe’s food security and rural economy. The association is also pushing for science-based animal welfare and sustainability policies, stronger reciprocity in trade so that imports meet standards equivalent to those required of European producers, and continued investment in disease prevention, biosecurity, surveillance and innovation.
European poultry sector seen as well placed to meet global demand
Poultry demand has been rising and is expected to continue growing worldwide in the coming years, in both consumption and production.
AVEC says several factors are driving that growth. Poultry is seen as a nutritious and affordable source of protein across income groups, and it can be produced efficiently using fewer resources than many other animal proteins. The sector also has one of the lowest environmental footprints among the major livestock industries.
Steenberg says the European sector is well placed to respond to growing market demand.
“Our poultry sector benefits from a high level of oversight throughout production, with robust traceability systems, strict veterinary controls and a strong regulatory framework that gives consumers confidence in the products they purchase,” she says.
She adds that continuous improvements in genetics, animal health, nutrition, farm management and processing technologies have delivered significant gains in efficiency and sustainability over time.
At the same time, the association says it is important that European legislation remains science-based, proportionate and workable in practice.
AVEC says meeting future demand sustainably will require continued investment, innovation and supportive policy frameworks. It also argues that producers must remain competitive while improving environmental performance, animal welfare and resource efficiency.
Disease prevention and trade pressures are key concerns
Poultry sector is facing pressure from rising imports from outside the EU, higher feed and energy costs, and the spread of avian diseases. AVEC says it works to help the industry and producers respond to those challenges.
“We provide advocacy, market intelligence and a platform for cooperation between members across Europe. We engage with EU institutions on issues ranging from trade and competitiveness to animal health and sustainability,” Steenberg says.
On avian influenza and other animal health threats, the association supports a prevention-based approach built on biosecurity, surveillance, research and, where appropriate, vaccination. It is also calling for coordinated European action to improve preparedness and resilience.
On trade and production costs, AVEC says European producers must not be placed at a competitive disadvantage and that trade policy should reflect the principle of reciprocity.
“Producers cannot be expected to compete on equal terms if imports are made under significantly different standards,” Steenberg thinks.
AVEC highlights need for stronger dialogue between agricultural sector and the media
One of the biggest challenges facing European agriculture is maintaining public trust in an increasingly complex policy environment.
AVEC says it wants to improve public understanding of modern poultry production and its role in Europe’s food system.
“Journalists have an essential role in helping the public understand how food is produced, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing European agriculture,” Steenberg says.
She says Europe has an opportunity to build a food system that is sustainable, competitive and resilient, and that poultry already contributes significantly to those goals.
AVEC says it wants to work with policymakers, journalists and other stakeholders to strengthen that contribution in the years ahead.
“We joined ENAJ because we believe constructive dialogue between the media and the agricultural sector is more important than ever. Food production is increasingly discussed in the context of sustainability, climate, animal welfare and trade, and it is important that these discussions are informed by facts, science and practical experience.”
“We look forward to building relationships with agricultural journalists across Europe, sharing expertise and contributing to balanced and well-informed reporting on the poultry sector and the wider food system,” Steenberg concludes.
Text: Klaus Hartikainen