Livestock
Spain has lifted the remaining nationwide confinement measures for poultry following a sustained improvement in the epidemiological situation of avian influenza. The decision removes restrictions previously applied in high-risk areas, including wetlands and municipalities with greater exposure risk. Despite the easing of restrictions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food stresses that strict biosecurity measures … Read more
...The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced last Thursday that it will impose final tariffs ranging from 7.4% to 11.7% on certain dairy imports from the European Union. The tariffs, which came into effect last Friday, February 13, and will remain in place for five years, replace provisional duties ranging from 21.9% to 42.7% announced in … Read more
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The African swine fever (ASF) outbreak detected in Catalonia has entered a phase of stabilization, according to the latest updates from the regional authorities. However, the situation still requires reinforced biosecurity measures and tighter control protocols to prevent any further spread of the disease. Veterinary services report that the containment measures implemented in recent days—movement … Read more
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From October 7 to 10, 2025, Clermont-Ferrand, in the heart of Europe’s largest livestock region, will host the 34th edition of SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE, one of the world’s leading international trade shows dedicated to livestock farming and sustainable agriculture. Enterview Emily AUBERT. International & Digital Development Manager With more than 1,750 exhibitors, 120,000 expected professional … Read more
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Meat Attraction, the International Fair of reference for the meat industry, will be taking place from 25 to 27 February consolidating the 6th edition of this biennial event. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, will officially open the trade fair, organised by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with the Spanish National Association of … Read more
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The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced last Thursday that it will impose final tariffs ranging from 7.4% to 11.7% on certain dairy imports from the European Union. The tariffs, which came into effect last Friday, February 13, and will remain in place for five years, replace provisional duties ranging from 21.9% to 42.7% announced in … Read more
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Meat Attraction; reinforces the global leadership of the Spanish meat industry
Meat Attraction, the International Fair of reference for the meat industry, will be taking place from 25 to 27 February consolidating the 6th edition of this biennial event. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, will officially open the trade fair, organised by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with the Spanish National Association of Meat Industries (ANICE), tomorrow at 12.30 noon. With nearly 300 participating companies, Meat Attraction 2025 is the only vertical trade fair for the meat industry in southern Europe that is projected as an instrument of internationalisation and marketing and as a space for the exchange of knowledge and dialogue of the first food industry. According to ANICE data, this sector represents 2.72% of Spanish GDP, 27.3% of the food industry’s GDP and 4.53% of the total turnover of Spanish industry, which indicates its importance for the country’s economic development. Meat Attraction represents the entire meat production value chain. Thus, there will be a Product area where you can find: meats and meat by-products; IbéricoLand, which is the monographic exhibition space for Iberian meat products; as well as the quality marks – PDO, PGI, TSG, MG and Halal and Kosher foodstuffs. In addition, attendees will be able to learn out about the most interesting technological innovations for meat companies in the Auxiliary Industry area, which is key for the development of the sector and its competitiveness. Technical conference programme and networking platform In addition to the exhibition area, Meat Attraction will be offering a high-level programme in MEAT FORUM, with presentations and round tables which will address aspects such as innovation and technology in meat production, sustainability strategies and circular economy, new consumer trends and their impact on the market, digitalisation and automation in the value chain and aspects such as export prospects and emerging markets. In collaboration with Carnimad, the Factoría Chef area will be hosting activities and workshops, allowing trade visitors to experience first-hand the latest techniques and innovations and discover products and processes through hands-on training and interactive learning. These experiences are designed to improve people’s understanding of meat quality, processing and traceability, helping them to make more informed decisions and optimise operations. In addition, over the three professional days of the trade fair, there will be dedicated spaces to promote networking and the creation of strategic commercial connections. Highlights include the B2Meat programme, the International Hosted Buyers Programme, which will connect exhibiting companies with international buyers from key markets, and the Guest Importing Countries, which on this occasion are Italy and South Korea. Finally, the trade fair will host the 2nd Meat Attraction Catering Awards, in which more than thirty hotel and catering establishments specialising in meat will be participating, and which will recognise the best establishments in Madrid that stand out for offering meat specialities on their menus. Meat Attraction once again has the collaboration of Grupo Cooperativo Cajamar as its main sponsor. As a leading financial institution in the agri-food sector, it offers its support to one of the strategic industrial sectors of our country in its commitment to innovation, quality and sustainable development and promotes the interaction of meat professionals so that they can share experiences, knowledge and solutions to the current challenges facing the industry. Meat Attraction 2025 celebrates its sixth edition organised by IFEMA MADRID and ANICE from 25 to 27 February in Hall 4 of the Trade Fair Centre from 09.30am to 6.30pm on the first two days and until 4.00pm on the last day. Be part of the key event for the meat industry:
Sommet de l’élevage Le mondial de l’élevage
The SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE (LIVESTOCK SUMMIT) will be held from 1 to 4 October 2024, in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The world’s #1 sustainable livestock show, the SOMMET is also a must-do trade fair for all those involved in agricultural machinery, agricultural supplies, agri-energy and more. This 33rd edition will host 2,000 animals representing 70 different breeds of livestock, 1,700 exhibitors from 35 countries and a packed programme for the expected 120,000 visitors: • The Salers beef breed National Championships with 400 animals in judging • The Simmental dairy breed European Championships with 56 cows from 3 countries in judging • Kazakhstan, this year’s guest of honour • The “Sommets d’Or” competition that rewards the best technical innovations techniques • The “Fermiers d’Or” competition that rewards the best farm-processed food products • More than 130 conferences covering all the current hot topics in farming • Several fun and convivial evenings organised by the Young Farmers Union, the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, and the dairy sector, to name just a few events… For Fabrice Berthon, the show’s General Manager, “This 2024 edition is already looking very good. The exhibitors are almost complete (96% of show space has already been booked) with over 4 months until the start of the show. It’s going to be an exceptional event. At a time when agriculture is facing major challenges, our event throws light on the many issues facing livestock farmers, such as replacing the current generation of farmers, young people setting up in business, farmers’ quality of life, improving incomes, climate change, animal welfare, etc. They come to us to learn more about the challenges they ultimately face. The SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE gives them solutions, ideas and perspectives that they may not find elsewhere. All in the festive, friendly atmosphere for which our event is world renowned. Because that too is all part of the SOMMET, 4 days of sharing, chatting and laughing, it’s some valuable down time for everyone. THE SOMMET, THE AGRICULTURAL SUPER MARKET FOR 5,000 FOREIGN VISITORS As an international business forum, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE is also more than 5,000 foreign visitors from over 90 countries, who come to discover French cattle and sheep breeds, and meet suppliers of farm equipment, animal feed and health products, and not forgetting new technologies and the latest industry innovations. As every year, they can expect a VIP welcome with a specific programme of events and activities to include access to the International Lounge, farm visits and the international gala evening, etc.
115,000 visitors at the 32nd SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE
As the SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE was closing its doors on Friday, the show’s organisers were all smiles. With a record 115,000 visitors and 1,681 exhibitors, the SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE is firmly established as Europe’s #1 livestock show. And the new central theme of sustainability in livestock farming has a lot to do with it. For Fabrice Berthon, the show’s General Manager, “this year’s event was exceptional, both in terms of numbers and in terms of the friendly atmosphere, that reached even higher levels”. “This 32nd edition of the show was a great success, with some big contracts signed during the event and three fun evenings”, as Jacques Chazalet, Show President, adds. “The Young Farmers’ party was an awesome success, as was the evening sponsored by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and the International Gala Evening. These convivial events encapsulate what the SOMMET stands for and is all about, 4 fun and action-packed days!” And the SOMMET as a political forum The political dimension of the SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE grows stronger year after year, as was illustrated this year by the visits of Marc Fesneau, Minister of Agriculture and Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy and Finance, including an announcement by the second of a tax incentive for livestock farmers. “Proof, if proof was needed, that our show has become a key political event”, as explains Jacques Chazalet. This 32nd edition was also notable by the presence of numerous French and foreign MPs and political leaders. Not forgetting the support of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and Laurent Wauquiez, the region’s President. “The SOMMET is undoubtedly the place where major issues in livestock policy are shaped. It’s an important accolade for us as organisers, but also for all those involved in the livestock sector.” Sustainable livestock farming, the livestock farming of tomorrow This year, the heightened focus on sustainable livestock farming was confirmed by the significant increase in visitor and exhibitor numbers. It was a determining factor for those committed to sustainable agriculture. “One of the SOMMET’s missions is to integrate the major economic, environmental, territorial, and social issues at stake. We detect that there is a growing and widespread movement in support of this theme. With sustainable livestock farming, the younger generation can embark on life projects in line with their future ambitions,” as underlines Bruno Dufayet, President of the Association for the Promotion of Agriculture in the Massif Central (APRAMAC). 5,000 international visitors from 90 different countries With 5,000 visitors from 90 countries, the show confirms its appeal to foreign farmers. The proof of this is the 10% growth in international exhibitors, the majority of whom are European. Georgia, this year’s guest of honour, came with the aim of sharing its desire to focus its economic development on the livestock sector. The country was represented by a delegation of over 40 livestock farmers and industry representatives. The highlight of these 4 days was the signing, on the first day of the show, by the French and Georgian farm ministers, Marc FESNEAU and Otar SHAMUGIA, of a letter of intent for further cooperation between the two countries. “Our reputation abroad continues to grow. Today, the SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE is a real business forum for our international visitors. Business links are forged here during the show between the various foreign delegations,” as explains Benoit Delaloy, the show’s International Manager. “In addition, the thirty or so farm and agro-industrial site visits, organised specifically for our international visitors, are perceived to be of real added value. The programme is unique in the world, both in terms of the number of visits and their diversity (livestock farms of all species, research bodies, abattoirs, etc.). It enables our foreign delegations to discover the excellence of the French livestock industry on site”. Another eagerly awaited highlight each year is the International Livestock Evening, which this year once again lived up to its promise, with almost 300 people in attendance. Promises fulfilled for the 2 breeds organising their national championships The Limousin, France’s N°1 exported beef breed, was in the limelight at this 32nd edition of the show. “The quality of animals in judging at this year’s show was excellent, ten foreign delegations had specifically come to the show just for our breed championships. 400 cows in total were judged over the 4 half days, and of the 23 animals sold during the auction, 15 were acquired by foreign buyers, confirming the interest shown in the genetics and technical skills of French breeders by foreign farmers”, as explains Olivier Lasternas, President of the Herd Book Limousin. Turning to the Brown Swiss, the other cattle breed organising its breed championships during the SOMMET, as Olivier Bulot, Director of BGS (Brown Genetic Services) explains, “We hosted 8 international delegations who were very interested in the depth and accuracy of French genetic research. The four days of the show gave us the opportunity to open the doors of our farms to international visitors, as well as to hold our first auction at the SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE. It has been yet another great year at the SOMMET!” A platform for the media This 32nd edition was also a key platform for the livestock farming media, with over 150 conferences and symposia, 150 hours of live coverage and 31 meetings with influencers. Not to mention the accreditation of 195 journalists of whom 51 were international from 24 different countries. To conclude, Jacques Chazalet (President) and Fabrice Berthon (General Manager) share the same ambition for next year, which is to top 1,700 exhibitors and 120,000 visitors at the SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE 2024! The 2024 edition will host the SALERS breed National Championships. Save the date for next year: 1, 2, 3 & 4 October
European Commission urged to publish revised animal welfare legislation
637 stakeholders are calling on the European Commission President to deliver the committed, long awaited animal welfare legislative proposals, to address the inadequate and outdated legislation that fails to protect animals in Europe. The open letter, addressed to European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen, is signed by academics, researchers, veterinarians, scientists, entrepreneurs, farmers, and other stakeholders from several countries. The signatories, which include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall and philosopher Peter Singer, reiterated that the current animal welfare legislation is heavily outdated and in need of an urgent update in line with scientific evidence and societal expectations. They called for a swift publication of a future-focused, comprehensive and fit for purpose proposal. The EC committed to publish four proposals to revise the animal welfare legislation as part of its Farm to Fork Strategy. As the political term reaches its end in the upcoming months, the signatories are asking President von der Leyen to uphold this promise. A revised animal welfare legislation does not only provide for better protection of animals, but also for a level playing field for businesses across Europe, with support for farmers transitioning to systems with improved standards, while benefiting from fair competition when placing their product on the market. Finally, the revision is a crucial component to make the European food system fair, healthy and more sustainable. European citizens have highlighted the need for a uniform and adequate protection of animals, as made evident in the consultation run by the EC and in the five successful European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs) related to animal welfare, among which a call to transition to cage-free systems, and to ban fur farming in Europe. With such clear science that highlights the inadequacy of current EU standards, this proposal can no longer be delayed. The EC must quickly reveal its proposals for a harmonised legislation that is fit for purpose, one that protects animals and is in line with public health and environmental goals. Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for
“SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE aims to be the world’s leading event for sustainable livestock farming”
Interview: Benoît DELALOY International manager of the agricultural show: SOMMET DE L`ELEVAGE By: Bárbara Aguayo Martínez, agrifood journalist/ @BarbaraAguayoM3 SOMMET, the benchmark trade fair for the livestock sector, why has it become more important in recent years? SOMMET is an event not to be missed by professionals. SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE has built its reputation on the quality of the animals presented, selected for their high genetic value, whether they are beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep or horses. The SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE is an event not to be missed by professionals. The SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE has more than 70 breeds which are present at the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE to participate in competitions or for representation, in other words the jewel in the crown of French animal genetics. In addition, the SOMMET offers a complete commercial offer with all the equipment, products, services and latest innovations in the agricultural sector. The fair is also an important place for exchanges with 100 conferences organised. Within the wide-ranging programme offered by SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE, which of all the activities would you highlight? Are there any new features this year? Within the extensive programme of activities for international visitors, one of the most popular activities are the farm visits, the livestock competitions, due to the exceptional showcase of bovine, ovine and equine genetics, as well as the great livestock gala evening. In terms of novelties, we are always trying to adapt to new demands. For SOMMET 2022, the invited bovine breed is the Charolais breed which will be the centre of attention, with the 400 best specimens of the breed in national competition during 4 days. It is also important to note that the fair will also be a complete commercial offer for all sectors of livestock farming and agriculture, a recognised business centre (around 100,000 commercial transactions take place every year during the event) and an information forum with 100 conferences and colloquiums proposed during the 4 days of the fair, dealing with the most important current agricultural topics. What attendance figures are you forecasting? The 31st SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE will take place from 4 to 7 October 2022 in Clermont-Ferrand, France. More than 1,500 exhibitors, 2,000 animals and nearly 100,000 professional visitors are expected to attend this event, which is now one of the world’s largest trade fairs dedicated to animal production. What is the professional profile of the SOMMET visitor? Mainly farmers and breeders (80%), but also executives, livestock technicians and students. We also have visitors in the investment phase. The sectors of activity of the professional profile of the visitor at the international fair SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE are beef cattle (50%), dairy cattle (30%), sheep (13%), crops (16%), pigs, poultry, goats, horses… Information:
SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE 2022
The 31st edition of the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE (LIVESTOCK SHOW) will be held from the 4th to 7th October 2022 in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Over 1,500 exhibitors, 2,000 animals and almost 100,000 farming industry visitors are expected at this event, recognised as being one of the biggest livestock shows in the world. The SOMMET DE L’ELEVAGE is a not-to-be missed event for farmers and agri-related industries. It has, over the years, built a solid reputation for the quality of the animals on show, selected for their high genetic value, including beef and dairy cattle, sheep and horses. In total, more than 70 breeds can be found at the SOMMET in judging or on show, the finest in French livestock genetics. Every year, one of the main beef cattle breeds organises its national championships at the SOMMET. And this year, it’s the turn of the Charolais breed that will be under the spotlight in the Zenith d’Auvergne ring with 400 of the breed’s best cattle in judging over the 4 days of the show. Over the years, the SOMMET has established an international reputation as being resolutely turned to foreign markets and visitors. This year, that will feature Mongolia as the guest of honour, should see a marked return of many foreign visitors to the show’s aisles. We must not overlook either that the SOMMET is also a showcase offering a comprehensive product and service offer for every sector of livestock production and farming, and it’s a recognised international business forum (over 100,000 sales transactions on average are signed each year during the show), plus a rich source of information with 70 conferences and symposiums proposed during the 4 days of the show, covering the hot topics in agriculture and the latest farming news. For this new edition of the SOMMET, the organisers have chosen to place the event under the sign of farm transfer by the older generation and their take-over by new entrants, two major challenges for the renewal of generations and the future of French agriculture. With 5 months to go before the opening of the SOMMET, Jacques Chazalet, President of the show, gives his impressions: «7 months after the last show, the satisfaction and feeling are the same as ever. The SOMMET is now recognised as the not-to-be-missed annual farm show! A record number of exhibitors and visitors are expected this year, mainly due to the new 4-day format, which allows us to accommodate more people with this additional day. And despite the tough context of the last few months, I believe that a crisis does not bring only bad news. A new economic cycle is beginning, more focused on our territory, because France has many advantages to offer in terms of agriculture and breeding. Positives that can be discovered or rediscovered, at the SOMMET DE
Copa-Cogeca participated in the 19th edition of the ‘Fuels of the Future’
Copa-Cogeca participated in the 19th edition of the ‘Fuels of the Future’ conference on the issue of the ‘Fit for 55’ package and alternative fuels. This was an opportunity to recall the importance of the agricultural sector in the production of alternative fuels but also highlight the need for the ‘Fit for 55’s package to consider the specific needs of agricultural transport and more broadly mobility in rural areas. Currently, electrical energy only covers approximately 22% of the final EU-27 energy demand; the generation of electrical energy in the EU is only done with approximately 35% of renewable energy sources; and 65% of the electrical energy in the EU-27 comes from fossil fuels and nuclear energy. In its Fit for 55 package, released last July, the Commission proposed an approach focused primarily on increasing the electrical energy generated from photovoltaic and wind power plants to reach the ambitious energy and climate goals. This creates a clear gap between unattainable visionary goals and the hard energy system facts. Representing Copa and Cogeca at this event, Secretary General Pekka Pesonen said, “While electric vehicles have an important role to play in saving emissions, they will not be a solution fit for all European consumers, notably to those in rural areas and to heavy goods vehicles. Only by using all the available technologies will the EU be able to deliver on its European Green Deal ambitions and lead the world in the fight against climate change. Certified sustainable crop-based biofuels must not be excluded from the toolbox to decarbonize the transport sector.” Certified sustainable crop-based biofuels constitute the most consumed renewable fuels in the EU. Transport emission savings observed in recent years result largely from their use. At the same time crop-based biofuels generate protein-rich by-products, an important source of protein for feedingstuff, which substitutes soybean imports – these feeds being ‘deforestationfree’. Pekka Pesonen made it clear, “Copa and Cogeca call for technology neutral EU policies that could enable all sustainable energy sources to make their contribution in moving away from fossil-fuel based economy. All investments need predictable economic environment. The current unfair capping of certified crop-based biofuels does not help these investments to materialise!” Copa and Cogeca highlight that the EU farming organisations have also constantly called for an incorporation obligation that is applicable to fuel suppliers as this approach allows for the contribution of all bioenergies to decarbonising transport to be encompassed. The suggested obligation for suppliers to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels by at least 13% by 2030 is largely insufficient given that the transport sector is not reducing emissions which must then be compensated by other sectors covered by the Effort Sharing Regulation reducing emissions if the Member States do not set specific sectorial targets. It is not up to agriculture to pay for transport. In fact, it should be the other way
Iberian hams from Spain in international markets
This campaign has ended this Tuesday with a training event at the Higher School of Hospitality in Madrid led by chef Sergio Fernández.