On 26 June 2026, the European Science Alliance for Agriculture and Food (ESAAF) hosted a science-policy roundtable in Brussels at the CSIC premises on the future of climate-resilient livestock systems. The event brought together leading researchers, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss how European livestock production can adapt to climate change while continuing to support food security, rural economies and sustainable food systems.
Livestock as part of the climate solution
Scientific presentations highlighted that climate change affects livestock systems through multiple interconnected challenges, including feed availability, water resources, animal health and farm economics. Speakers emphasised that there is no single pathway to climate resilience and that solutions must reflect the diversity of livestock systems across Europe.
The discussions also underlined the important role of livestock in circular food systems through nutrient recycling, grassland management and the conversion of biomass that cannot be used directly for human consumption.
Addressing future challenges
Experts pointed to growing climate-related risks for animal health and welfare, including heat stress and the spread of emerging diseases. Strengthening resilience will require continued investment in research, innovation and One Health approaches that integrate animal, human and environmental health.
Participants further stressed that climate-resilient livestock systems provide a range of public benefits that are often not fully recognised by current market mechanisms. Creating policy frameworks and economic incentives that support farmers in the transition will therefore be essential.
Key messages for future EU policies
The roundtable concluded that stronger interdisciplinary scientific evidence and closer cooperation between science and policy will be needed to support the development of future EU policies on livestock and climate resilience.
A summary of the scientific and policy key messages from the event is available below, together with the event presentations.
Giuseppe Bee (Animal Task Force) – Research for the future of sustainable livestock farming
Vivi Hunnicke Nielsen (Aarhus University / SCAR CWG on Sustainable Animal Production) – Strengthening European cooperation on sustainable animal production
Marie Odile Nozière (INRAE) – Building resilient livestock systems through climate mitigation and adaptation
Rick Obrian Hernandez Alvarado (Aarhus University) – Climate adaptation and resilience in livestock production systems
Simon Oosting (Wageningen University & Research, WUR) – The role of livestock in circular food systems
Noemí Sevilla (CISA-INIA-CSIC) – Enhancing animal health and resilience in a changing climate
Dominika Średnicka-Tober (Warsaw University of Life Sciences, WULS-SGGW) – Making the transition economically viable for farmers
Key messages from the event