Brussels hosts the event with the main focus on European sustainable poultry
This Sustainability Charter, held on November 30th at the Press Club Brussels, symbolizes the commitment of the European poultry sector to a more sustainable future.
Poultry is an important source of protein and an essential part of the diet of most Europeans. In the past ten years, EU consumption has increased by 23%. Experts predict a positive trend of growth over the next decade. On a global level poultry meat has established itself as the most consumed meat. EU poultry producers want to demonstrate they are responsible, and that production can be done in a sustainable way. They want to increase the awareness of EU consumers on sustainable practices of the sector, by informing them and allowing them to make informed choices.
The event was celebrated, as Gert-Jan Oplaat, the President of AVEC pointed out in his opening remarks, a way to provide a clear roadmap on the essential attributes leading to achieving sustainability, by seeking the best balance between the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economical. Our poultry sector is part of the solution, moving forward to ensure sustainable and available food.
Food sovereignty was also discussed during the meeting, remarked by the President of AVEC as a current problem of relevance in Europe. For this reason, the European poultry organization has pledged “to maintain a sufficient level of production to sustainably feed the EU and the world population with quality and affordable poultry meat.”
During the event, sustainable poultry production was discussed, as well as trade-offs that it brings. With a remarkable group of panelists, the discussion helped to debunk some myths associated with the production of poultry meat in the EU, but also reflect on the steps that the sector has taken to improve both its environmental, economic, and social impact.
INVITED PANELISTS:
Brigitte Misonne, Head of Unit, Animal Products, DG AGRI, European Commission
Colm Markey, MEP, AGRI Committee, European Parliament
Els Bedert, Director, Product Policy at EUROCOMMERCE
Birthe Steenberg, Secretary General, AVEC MODERATOR:
MODERATOR:
Andrea Bertaglio, Environmental journalist – European Livestock Voice
PROGRAMME:
16:00 – 16:30 Registration
16:30 – 16:40 Opening remarks by Gert-Jan Oplaat / President, AVEC
16:40 – 17:45 Moderated discussion and Q&A
17:45 – 17:50 Closing statements
17:50 – 19:00 Networking drinks
You can watch the discussion and Q&A session in the video below:
On this occasion, AVEC also presented their Sustainability charter, available to read in English here.
