Current situation and future prospects for beef production in Europe - A review

Abstract

The European Union (EU) is the world's third largest producer of beef. This contributes to the economy, rural development, social life, culture and gastronomy of Europe. The diversity of breeds, animal types (cows, bulls, steers, heifers) and farming systems (intensive, extensive on permanent or temporary pastures, mixed, breeders, feeders, etc) is a strength, and a weakness as the industry is often fragmented and poorly connected. There are also societal concerns regarding animal welfare and environmental issues, despite some positive environmental impacts of farming systems. The EU is amongst the most efficient for beef production as demonstrated by a relative low production of greenhouse gases. Due to regional differences in terms of climate, pasture availability, livestock practices and farms characteristics, productivity and incomes of beef producers vary widely across regions, being among the lowest of the agricultural systems. The beef industry is facing unprecedented challenges related to animal welfare, environmental impact, origin, authenticity, nutritional benefits and eating quality of beef. These may affect the whole industry, especially its farmers. It is therefore essential to bring the beef industry together to spread best practice and better exploit research to maintain and develop an economically viable and sustainable beef industry. Meeting consumers' expectations may be achieved by a better prediction of beef palatability using a modelling approach, such as in Australia. There is a need for accurate information and dissemination on the benefits and issues of beef for human health and for environmental impact. A better objective description of goods and services derived from livestock farming is also required. Putting into practice "agroecology" and organic farming principles are other potential avenues for the future. Different future scenarios can be written depending on the major driving forces, notably meat consumption, climate change, environmental policies and future organization of the supply chain.

Keywords: Consumer; Europe; Prospects; Supply Chain; Beef.

Figure 1

Population density of cattle (head per km²) in the European countries. http://livestock.geo-wiki.org/graphics/

Figure 2

Production of beef and veal, by class of bovine animals, 2015. Adapted from http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Agricultural_production_-_animals

Figure 3

Price in Euros (per 100 kg) for meat from cattle, ovine, pigs and poultry in Europe from 2001 to 2016 and from 2016 to 2021 (forecast). Adapted from [1].

Figure 4

Beef price in Euros (per 100 kg carcass in France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, and Ireland from 2011 to 2016. Adapted from: www.agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr/conjoncture/le-bulletin/

Figure 5

Income level of all agricultural systems (Total) compared to “specialized cattle farms” in the EU. Source FADN http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rica/database/database_en.cfm

Figure 6

Evolution of the production costs of beef finishing farms. Source: GEB_ Institut de l’élevage from agri benchmark (www.agribenchmark.org).

Figure 7

Beef finishing returns and cost of production (results 2015). Source: GEB_ Institut de l’élevage from agri benchmark (www.agribenchmark.org).

Figure 8

Forecasted beef market developments in the European Union (million tonnes) [adapted from 26].

Figure 9

Typology of good and services of livestock. Adapted from [4].

Figure 10

Regional greenhouse gas (GHG) intensities for beef production. Adapted from [3].