About the Event 

In February 2025 the European Commission in its 'Vision for Agriculture and Food' communication stated that it would present legislative proposals on the revision of the existing EU animal welfare legislation, including to follow-up on its commitment to phase out cages following engagement with farmers, the food supply chain and civil society. The communication indicated that it would do so while applying the same standards to products produced in the EU and those imported from non-EU countries.

From June 2025 until the end of year the Commission consulted stakeholders about On-farm animal welfare for certain animals: modernisation of EU legislation via a Call for Evidence and a Public Consultation. It is an accepted fact, which the responses to the consultations showed, that almost everyone wants better on-farm animal welfare for animals in the EU.

The devil is, as ever, in the detail (e.g. on the pace, scope, cost, economic implications, etc. of better animal welfare) of how to transition to higher animal welfare standards whilst balancing the competitiveness of commercially viable farming and food manufacturing businesses, and the interests of the consumer.

Touching on three elements highlighted by the Commission during the June 2025 Call for Evidence, [1) Phasing out of cages, 2) Indicators and digitalisation, and 3) Import requirements], this EFF round table event will attempt to address how to make the transition to higher animal welfare in the supply chain from the farm to the consumer in a way that that balances the needs of consumers, of farmers and food producers, and of farmed animals.

This EFF round table discussion taking place six months out from the start of the fourth quarter 2026 when Commission adoption has been slated, will be an opportunity to get have a state of play update and will also look to touch on following area of interest and importance to farmers, the food supply chain and civil society:

– prospects for animal welfare legislative reform
– the latest state of play and the timeline for delivering modernising animal welfare legislative proposals
– the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the need for collaborative spirit from all sides to deliver a modernisation of animal welfare legislative that balances welfare and competitiveness
– How to successfully make the transition to higher animal welfare from the perspective of:

In line with the European Food Forum's mission to promote dialogue and debate on key policy issues, the two-hour discussion will provide a platform for an open exchange of views among participants, fostering constructive engagement and shared understanding across the supply chain.

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