The European beef sector on a special mission: reducing emissions

The future of our planet requires real and effective solutions to climate change. Aware of this global challenge, the European beef sector is firmly committed to reducing our emissions and moving towards a fully sustainable model.

We have been carrying out many actions in all EU Member States. These range from research projects in different fields to tools that enable farmers and the entire value chain to implement continuous improvements that guarantee the 2050 Carbon Neutrality Target.

This is the case, for example, of the Codes of Good Practice developed by researchers and scientists from INIA, the Remedia Network and the SCOoPE project for the Spanish Interprofessional Beef Organisation (Provacuno). These codes are a valuable tool for promoting sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the value chain, as they describe a wide range of measures that producers can implement in their facilities to ensure a reduction in emissions.

The importance of animal feed in reducing methane emissions

One of the key areas addressed in the Codes of Good Practice is animal feed, an area in which significant progress is being made thanks to the important research work being carried out by various renowned research centres. In this regard, we are promoting the use of local food sources that include more agri-food by-products in the diet. By using local foods, we contribute to reducing the carbon footprint, and by taking advantage of by-products, we contribute to the circular economy and promote recycling, converting materials with a high environmental impact into valuable by-products, thereby optimising available resources.

We have also placed special emphasis on soil management, promoting regenerative agricultural practices. Techniques such as rotational grazing allow us to make the most of pastures, facilitating greater carbon capture in the soil. This method, in addition to maintaining soil fertility and preventing erosion, significantly improves biodiversity, providing a healthy habitat for numerous species and contributing to ecological balance.

Another noteworthy measure is the improvement in manure management. The sector is committed to implementing advanced agro-composting of beef cattle manure. This allows the nutritional potential of manure to be fully exploited, contributing to improved soil quality and fertility, while simultaneously reducing polluting gas emissions and thus closing the production cycle in an efficient and sustainable manner.

Genetic selection also plays a fundamental role in this special mission. Through advanced genetics, we are breeding more efficient animals, capable of converting feed into meat with fewer resources and generating fewer emissions in the process. This selection also increases the resistance of livestock to disease and improves their adaptation to changing climatic conditions, thereby increasing the resilience of the sector.

Ongoing training and dissemination programmes

In addition to these technical measures, training and raising awareness among livestock farmers is another key to success. Provacuno is promoting ongoing training and dissemination programmes so that the latest research and best practices reach those who work with livestock on a daily basis. This enables us to achieve effective and widespread implementation of innovations, as well as strengthening the collective commitment to sustainability.

All of these integrated actions demonstrate that livestock farming and sustainability can go hand in hand. In the European beef sector, we are not only reducing our emissions, but also contributing to the economic and social well-being of many rural regions.

The commitment is clear and the results are beginning to show. However, there is still much work to be done and it is essential to continue driving these efforts to ensure a greener and more sustainable future. Together we can make this special mission a reality for Europe and the world!