What are the challenges of sustainable livestock farming systems?

For centuries, livestock animals have been at the heart of human societies, providing not only a source of food but also means of transportation and energy. Livestock systems, although sometimes underestimated in public debates, remain essential for a sustainable national and regional economy. However, in the face of the growing climate emergency, it is crucial to adopt livestock systems that respect not only consumer needs but also the environment and cultural diversity. It is essential to consider livestock farming from a broader and more sustainable perspective.

The Sommet de l’Élevage focuses on the crucial issue of sustainable livestock systems and will revisit the many topics related to agroecology during its 2023 conference program.

Intensive Livestock Farming in the 20th Century

During the 20th century, livestock farming underwent significant intensification, profoundly transforming French agriculture. This transformation came with consequences: it not only left a negative environmental footprint but also posed serious societal challenges.

For example: waste, once valued as fertilizer, started causing serious environmental problems, particularly in regions like Brittany. The increased use of chemical inputs has also severely affected ecosystems and the biodiversity that depends on them.

The relentless pursuit of profitability has had negative repercussions on public health, farmers' well-being, and, most importantly, the welfare of farm animals. Although the dairy industry has transitioned toward renewable resources, it has not been spared from this crisis.

Livestock farming, once multifunctional, has increasingly focused on food production. However, in many French cultures, animals retain cultural significance, highlighting the rich history of human-animal coexistence.

Agroecology: A Sustainable Solution

Given these challenges, transitioning to agroecology has become a pressing necessity. This approach aims to reduce the impact of livestock farming on climate change. These methods seek to balance production, environmental respect, and societal well-being. Particular emphasis is placed on studying nitrogen flows to reduce the ecological footprint of livestock farming.

Amid warnings of financial shortfalls, close cooperation between WWF and the CIVAM network (Centers for Initiatives to Enhance Agriculture and the Rural Environment) has demonstrated that sustainable agriculture is not only more profitable but also more beneficial socially compared to conventional methods. It is, therefore, a viable solution that must be seriously considered.

Why Shift Toward More Sustainable Livestock Systems?

To Protect and Preserve the Environment

• Reducing the ecological footprint of livestock farming: The adoption of sustainable livestock practices has the potential to significantly reduce the ecological footprint. This includes lowering greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water, and preserving biodiversity.
• Implementing responsible resource management: By promoting sustainable livestock farming, we encourage a responsible use of resources, including water, pastures, and arable land, preventing their rapid depletion.

To Ensure Food Security and Continue Feeding the World

• Optimized production: Sustainable livestock farming aims to increase productivity while using fewer resources. This leads to higher-quality food production to meet the needs of a growing population, ensuring food sovereignty.
• Reducing waste: Efficient and sustainable livestock systems also help minimize food waste by ensuring better product preservation and reducing losses.

To Make Animal Welfare an Ethical Priority

• Improved living conditions: Sustainable livestock farming prioritizes respect and animal welfare. This involves providing them with suitable habitats, quality food, and appropriate care. It strengthens the special bond between farmers and their animals, bringing renewed meaning to the profession.
• Ethical practices: By promoting sustainable livestock methods, we advocate for ethical practices where animals are treated with dignity, respect, and without cruelty.

To Ensure Long-Term Economic Viability

• Profitability for farmers: While sustainable livestock farming may require initial investments (such as agrovoltaic projects), in the long term, it ensures better profitability. By optimizing resources and reducing waste, farmers can achieve better profit margins.
• Creating local jobs: Sustainable livestock farming can also foster local job creation, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is a primary source of livelihood.

Livestock farming and agriculture stand at a critical crossroads. It is crucial to adopt sustainable methods that respect not only our environment but also the stakeholders in these industries. By combining tradition and innovation, we can envision a future where livestock farming coexists harmoniously with nature and human societies.