What if we try to understand what animal genetics really is, and how animal breeding is driving sustainable livestock farming in the EU?

Event Presentation

Livestock farmers rely on different actors to become more sustainable. In the food supply chain, feeding, health and breeding strategies are key for improving the three pillars of sustainability and the welfare and health of farm animals.  

Animal Breeders are at the start of European food systems to ensure a healthier, wealthier and sustainable livestock sector. With the development of balanced and responsible breeding strategies, breeders strive to ensure reliable access to appropriate genetic progress for all farmers in all farming systems and a variety of local and commercial breeds.

Following the previous meeting on 27 November, where academics, veterinarians, farmers, policymakers, and international organisations such as WOAH discussed various tools for reducing the impacts of animal diseases in Europe, this meeting will focus on another essential tool for farmers: animal genetics and reproduction.  

This meeting will be an opportunity to hear directly from scientists, breeders and farmers about the direction of travel of animal breeding and reproduction in the XXI century; how objectives have evolved to balanced and responsible breeding strategies and their expectations for EU policies to advance the sustainability of the sector.

Programme

📅 18th DECEMBER | 🕑 10:00–11:15 AM | 📍 Room Winston Churchill 100

I. Opening and Welcome Speeches

• MEP Benoît Cassart
• MEP Alexander Bernhuber
• MEP Jessika Van Leeuwen

II. What if we try to understand what animal genetics really is? What if we ask farmers about their expectations from breeding cooperatives and companies to become more sustainable?

• How breeding strategies work: defining objectives – Luca Fontanesi, Bologna University
• Working with farmers to implement advances in genetics – Raffaella Finocchiaro, ANAFIBJ (Italian Breeders Association)
• Case studies:
  • Animal genetics, a tool to improve animal health and welfare and sustainability – Saskia Meier, Synetics
  • Semen sorting: a reproduction tool for decision-making for breeders and farmers – Eric Schmitt, Univers 2020 

III. Exchange of views with MEPs

🗣 Discussion with selected speakers

• Brigitte Misonne, DG AGRI (TBC)