European farmers of the poultry sector are committed to preserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing safe, affordable and quality poultry meat to European citizens and consumers.
Through the following strategies, the sector ensures a climate-smart approach of its activities:
- itigation and/or adaptation to climate change
In Europe we produce meat in a very climate-sensitive way. To improve the environmental and carbon footprint of the production of poultry meat, the sector has revolved its attention specifically on developing better use of natural sources, better breeding systems and feed utilisation. Such improvements have led to needing 0,5 kg less per animal, to a reduction in the land needed to produce feed (- 37%), the water usage needed by 1 L and, consequently, a reduction of the GHG emissions up to – 15%.
- Innovation and investment into green technologies:
Reduction of use of fossil fuels is one of the main goals for the development of new and more modernised production methods, for farmers and all actors of the poultry production chain.
The use of alternative techniques such as heat pumps or biomass to heat poultry houses, of additives to improve digestibility and reduce excretions in the environment, the installation of solar panels or windmills for green electricity or use the manure as green energy source by investing in biogas plants, has led to a growing reduction of the impact of the sector on the environment each year.
- Reduction of the use of feed associated with deforestation:
By supporting initiatives like those present in national qualification schemes, the efforts of EU poultry producers are visible and focused on managing the risk of certified soy usage, securing a soy supply that helps limit the deforestation effect.
Using alternatives to soy encourages the employment of protein crops locally produced in Europe, as well as mitigates the risk associated with deforestation and shortens the feed supply chain.
- Sustainable use of natural resources
A strict legislative framework applies to food producers in the EU, requesting the reduction of air, water and land emissions as a result of their activity. poultry farms and slaughterhouses exceeding the threshold of 40 thousand bird places, alongside processing plants with a production capacity greater than 50 T per day are subject to the scope of the Industrial Emission Directive, for which a “permit to operate” is conceded by national authorities. This permit (currently under revision ) is delivered under strict conditions, seeking the highest level of protection of the whole environment.
While operators are required to comply with this permit in their activities, a constant action to improve the impact of these activities on natural resources through the development of reduced consumption techniques and production methodologies is carried out by such operators.
In conclusion, environmental sustainability in the European poultry sector aims to guide the sector to the most efficient use of natural resources, through innovation and investment in greener technologies and taking actions like mitigation of climate change and fight against deforestation as its priority. A climate-smart approach of the European Poultry sector is essential to achieve the goals of sustainability of this campaign in environmental terms. European poultry is good for you and for the planet – make your smart choice!