Outreach, society, policy

The changing dynamics of the breeding sector engagement in policy – Building effectiveness

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Abstract

This paper demonstrates how, through engagement with policymakers, stakeholders, and civil society, EFFAB has improved knowledge of animal breeding in sustainable animal farming. Breeding is at the start of food systems, a key pre-farm activity, alongside feeding and animal health. Within the animal farming sector, animal breeding has the potential to improve the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. Traditionally, European Animal Breeders focused on farming and societal challenges. It began with improving productivity to feed European populations after a period of war and hunger. In recent decades, with the development of tools and knowledge in genetics, and in response to changes in farmers' needs, breeding goals, and the number of traits have expanded. This evolution reflects a shift towards a balanced approach of breeding strategies, where new goals and traits, as resource efficiency, lower environmental impact and better animal health and welfare, are weighted depending on needs and production systems. In poultry breeding, over 40% of traits are dedicated to health and welfare. However, how can this be communicated to policymakers, stakeholders and NGOs? And within today's changing political landscape, how do we ensure that the role of breeding in sustainable livestock production is recognised when shaping policies? To engage effectively in policy, the European breeding sector has strengthened its communication, by sharing evidence, publishing research, and explaining the science behind animal breeding choices. Policymakers need clear, science-based information to make decisions that support innovation while safeguarding the planet. Code EFABAR is one of the tools to do so, as the European sector's common tool for engaging in dialogue about responsible and balanced animal breeding. The Code of Good Practices for Responsible and Balanced Farm Animal Breeding was developed by EFFAB (European Forum of Animal Breeders) between 1999 and 2005, with the first version published in 2005 and is reviewed every 3 years. Responsible and balanced breeding means finding a sustainable compromise for the people, the planet, and farmed animals between traits beyond productivity, such as animal health and welfare, their environmental impacts, and the quality of production, whilst maintaining genetic diversity. Code EFABAR is signed by breeding associations and companies to showcase transparency in their breeding programs, whilst details of individual responses remain confidential. Breeding organisations indicate which breeding elements they follow and explain their place in breeding programs. We will share examples of how EFFAB addresses these questions and promotes the sustainability and transparency of breeding and reproduction. EFFAB works to communicate these efforts to policymakers, the livestock value chain, and, indirectly, the public. In doing so, EFFAB aims to ensure that progress in breeding is acknowledged in future European policy initiatives and that the sector's complexity is better understood.

Keywords: 2026

How to Cite:

Barbosa, B., Granados Chapatte, A. & Lewis, C., (2026) “The changing dynamics of the breeding sector engagement in policy – Building effectiveness”, World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production Digital Archive 2026(1): 2286485. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/wcgalp.24025

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