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Renewable energies in the Sustainable European Poultry sector: much more than solar panels

Renewable energies are a crucial component of sustainable development in Europe. With the increasing commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the European poultry sector, there is a growing interest in the use of renewable energy in all the production chains.[1]

Renewable energy has the potential to address the challenges associated with greenhouse gasses emissions and the overuse of fossil fuels, by providing a sustainable and clean source of energy, and by reducing waste and emissions.

The European Poultry has been incorporating the most common forms of renewable energies as follows:

Solar Energy

It is one of the most popular forms of renewable energy, particularly for powering ventilation and lighting systems. Solar panels can be installed on the roof of poultry houses, providing a reliable source of energy that is also cost-effective in the long run. Additionally, solar power can be used to heat water, which can then be used for cleaning and other purposes.

Bioenergy

Bioenergy can be generated from a variety of sources, including agricultural waste, animal waste, and crops grown specifically for energy production. It can be used to generate electricity, heat, and fuel, and can also be used to power vehicles and equipment. This versatile alternative source of energy has the potential to be a highly sustainable and cost-effective form of renewable energy, particularly if it is produced on-site using waste products from the farm.

Wind Energy

Wind power is another form of renewable energy that is gaining popularity in the poultry sector. Wind turbines can be installed on farms, providing a source of energy that is not dependent on weather conditions. This can be particularly beneficial in areas with high wind speeds, where wind power can be used to generate electricity for the farm and the surrounding community.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy involves the use of heat from the earth’s interior to generate electricity and heat. This can be particularly beneficial for poultry farms located in areas with high geothermal activity, where the heat can be used to power heating and ventilation systems, as well as to heat water for cleaning and other purposes.

Although it can face some challenges, such as high installation and maintenance costs, renewable energies offer a significant opportunity for the poultry sector to reduce its environmental footprint while contributing to Europe’s sustainable development goals in the long-term benefit perspective.

By adopting renewable energy technologies, poultry farmers can lower their energy costs and reduce usage of fossil fuels. The adoption of renewable energies in the poultry sector is a win-win solution for both the industry and the environment, and a big part of its commitment with the environmental pillar of sustainability.

Promotion programme to inform about the Sustainable European Poultry Sector

SUST EU POULTRY is a two-year promotion campaign supported by the European Commission and launched by three national poultry associations and their European umbrella association (from Germany, France and Spain) with the main goal of raising awareness among European consumers and professionals about the sustainability of the European poultry sector and a product of great quality.

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Additional information

PRESS CONTACT

Ana María Martín

ATLAS MARKETING STUDIO

internacional@atlasmarketingstudio.com

CONTACT AVEC

Federica Chiarella

AVEC SECRETARIAT

sust@eu-poultry.eu

 The content of the present advertising solely represents the opinion of the author and is the exclusive responsibility of the same.

The European Commission assumes no responsibility for the use that may be made of the information contained therein.

[1] Veterinaria Digital, 2020: Renewable energy at the service of the poultry industry

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Different chicken cuts and how to use them Avoid any food waste by taking advantage of all parts of the chicken!

We are aware of how delicious and nutritious a chicken breast recipe can be! However, there are so many other cuts of chicken that can make a delicious meal. Keep reading to find out your next chicken recipe![1]

The versatility of the chicken meat allows so many culinary techniques to try. This high-protein product allows roasting, grilling, baking, frying and other techniques to elaborate the most delicious of meals.

Upon reaching an internal temperature of 75ºC, chicken meat is correctly cooked.  This applies regardless of cooking method, temperature, or kind of meat, including white meat like chicken breasts and wings and dark meat like drumsticks and thighs.

Keeping this in mind, there are six main edible parts of the chicken that are fit for the tastiest recipes:

  • The entire chicken: In some cases, the whole bird is the best cut and a perfect way to prepare it is roasting the whole chicken. Salt and brush with olive oil all sides of the piece before putting it for roasting for 20 to 25 minutes at 220ºC. Roast for an additional 30-45 minutes at 200°C and let it rest 20 minutes before enjoying it!
  • Chicken breast is one of the most common chicken cuts, known for its lean meat and high protein content. It is typically boneless and skinless, making it a popular choice for healthy meals. Chicken breasts can be grilled, baked, sautéed, or pan-fried and can be used in a variety of recipes, including salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.
  • Chicken thighs are a more flavorful and tender cut than chicken breast. They have more fat and connective tissue, which makes them ideal for slow-cooking methods like braising or stewing. Chicken thighs are also perfect for grilling or pan-frying and can be used in recipes like curries, soups, and stews.
  • Chicken wings are a popular appetizer and party food. They can be grilled, baked, or fried and are often served with a variety of sauces and dips. Chicken wings are also an excellent addition to soups and stews, providing extra flavor and texture.
  • Chicken legs, also known as drumsticks, are a flavorful and inexpensive cut of chicken. They can be roasted, grilled, or fried and are often served with a variety of spices and sauces. Chicken legs are also an excellent addition to casseroles, soups, and stews.
  • Chicken thighs with bones and skin are a flavorful and versatile cut of chicken. They are perfect for roasting, braising, or grilling, and the skin becomes crispy and golden. Chicken thighs with bones and skin are also ideal for adding flavor to soups and stews.
  • Chicken fat: The fat that gathers on top of the stock can be utilized in a number of different ways. After heating it gently to remove all the water, filter it to get the best results. Using it, you can roast potatoes or root vegetables or create latkes. After two weeks in the refrigerator, freeze in an airtight container.

The compromise of the European Poultry sector with avoiding food waste is a big part of the social sustainability pillar. Taking advantage of all parts of the animal is essential to avoid food waste and thanks to the versatility of poultry meat, it can be done through delicious recipes.

Promotion programme to inform about the Sustainable European Poultry Sector

SUST EU POULTRY is a two-year promotion campaign supported by the European Commission and launched by three national poultry associations and their European umbrella association (from Germany, France and Spain) with the main goal of raising awareness among European consumers and professionals about the sustainability of the European poultry sector and a product of great quality.

————————————————————————————————-

Additional information

PRESS CONTACT

Ana María Martín

ATLAS MARKETING STUDIO

internacional@atlasmarketingstudio.com

CONTACT AVEC

Federica Chiarella

AVEC SECRETARIAT

sust@eu-poultry.eu

 The content of the present advertising solely represents the opinion of the author and is the exclusive responsibility of the same.

The European Commission assumes no responsibility for the use that may be made of the information contained therein.

[1] https://www.delish.com/uk/cooking/recipes/g30961649/chicken-cuts-best-recipes/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/cooking/g2775/best-chicken-cuts-for-recipes/

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Articles

How is the current energy crisis affecting the European poultry sector?

Poultry producers all around the European Union have been hard struck by raising energy costs, which have hampered profitability and occasionally compromised operations.

Poultry workers across Europe are expressing worries about possible production interruptions in the poultry industry.

The current crisis is more unpredictable than anything European poultry farmers have previously experienced, which has led to concerns to arise.

Past solutions such as drastic drops in fuel prices seem inefficient for the current situation, and members of the sector are worried it might affect consumption of poultry products in Europe.

As the head of communications at BVG[1] recently expressed, the higher cost of electricity and raw materials has a significant impact on the entire poultry sector. It generates difficulties to farms and the entire value chain to the point of hindering product delivery and food security.

More specifically, the crisis has been affecting broiler house heating systems that frequently employ gas as a fuel source, making it difficult to predict how quickly and how much it would cost to install a different system.

However, there are still some chances. For poultry farmers,solar panels on barn roofs are ideal because they lower the cost of fans, feeding, and cleaning systems, especially in the hotter, summer months. [2]

Other solutions include various alternative power generation techniques, so the European poultry sector can ensure that there is a sufficient supply of product. Such alternatives include several farms that already utilize the waste heat from biogas plants or other energy sources to help in the generation of sustainable energy.

Other energy saving examples would be updating the lights as a technique able to reduce energy use by 60%. Farmers upgrading from fluorescent to LED lighting has reduced energy usage from 11,340 kWh to 3,780 kWh.[3]

European farms raising poultry are starting to increase their demand for solar energy as a result of the energy crisis, while other farmers are searching for the largest installations feasible, giving the chance for photovoltaics to emerge and allow capacities of 100-200 kW or 1-2 MW.[4]

The resilience of the poultry sector during the current energetic crisis is directly linked to the environmental pillar of the sustainability of the sector.

Seeking for green energy alternatives and developing technologies to adopt more efficient energy systems is a big part of the European poultry sector.

Promotion programme to inform about the Sustainable European Poultry Sector

SUST EU POULTRY is a two-year promotion campaign supported by the European Commission and launched by three national poultry associations and their European umbrella association (from Germany, France and Spain) with the main goal of raising awareness among European consumers and professionals about the sustainability of the European poultry sector and a product of great quality.

————————————————————————————————-

Additional information

PRESS CONTACT

Ana María Martín

ATLAS MARKETING STUDIO

internacional@atlasmarketingstudio.com

CONTACT AVEC

Federica Chiarella

AVEC SECRETARIAT

 

sust@eu-poultry.eu

 The content of the present advertising solely represents the opinion of the author and is the exclusive responsibility of the same.

The European Commission assumes no responsibility for the use that may be made of the information contained therein.

[1] Michael Steinhauser, head of communications at the German Poultry Association.

[2] NFU Energy

[3] Ignaczak Poultry Farm in Poland

[4] EDP Energia Polska

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No matter which European country the poultry meat comes from, consumers can always rely on food safety, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Being a major trading partner in the global poultry meat market, the EU has proved to be a role model by having some of the highest standards in the world.