In a recent press release, the German Feed Association (DVT) sheds light on persistent challenges facing the European Union's compound feed production. The industry witnesses a 2.2% decline, totaling 16.1 million tons in 2023, with the swine segment bearing a substantial setback. Dr. Hermann-Josef Baaken, spokesperson for DVT, emphasizes the need for urgent attention to the sector's concerns, including uncertain market conditions and regulatory challenges.

The German Feed Association (DVT) has issued a press release addressing the ongoing challenges in the European Union's compound feed production. According to the release, the industry experiences a notable 2.2% reduction in production, reaching 16.1 million tons in 2023. Dr. Hermann-Josef Baaken, spokesperson for DVT, expressed concern over the consistent decline and pointed to the direct correlation with diminishing livestock numbers.

Dr. Hermann-Josef

Of particular concern is the swine segment, which encountered a significant setback with a 7.2% decline in the first three quarters of 2023, amounting to approximately 6.0 million tons. In contrast, the cattle segment saw a modest increase of 1.5%, reaching around 4.8 million tons. The leghen and calf segments experienced slight losses, while horse production noted a noteworthy uptick of 6.4%, totaling 180,000 tons.

Dr. Baaken acknowledged the challenges faced by animal farmers, emphasizing the absence of substantial political support for the agricultural sector despite some signs of market revival. He stated, "We can understand the concerns within the industry. The large-scale political support for the agricultural sector, however, remains elusive."

The press release highlights the need for immediate attention to address the industry's concerns, particularly in light of uncertain market conditions and potential regulatory hurdles.

Expressing apprehension about the EU's readiness for the recently enacted deforestation regulation, Dr. Baaken voiced concerns about potential bureaucratic challenges, especially concerning soy and palm, which directly impact the feed industry. The release concludes with a call for collaborative efforts within the industry to find solutions to emerging challenges and underscores the importance of fostering a continuous dialogue across the entire supply chain.

FEFAC FORECASTS 2% REDUCTION IN EU COMPOUND FEED PRODUCTION FOR 2023

According to a report by the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) one week before DVT's statement, the Federation anticipates a significant downturn of nearly 2.4 million tons in EU compound feed production for farmed animals in 2023, projecting a 2% reduction to 144.3 million tons. FEFAC attributes this decline to multifaceted challenges, including climate change, animal diseases like Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever, and evolving market dynamics. The report highlights varying impacts across Member States, with some experiencing declines while others see modest increases. Notably, the pig feed sector faces a substantial setback, while poultry compound feed production displays a more positive trend. The outlook for 2024 remains uncertain, influenced by factors like animal diseases, economic instability, and the increased imports of poultry meat products, amid the potential impact of "green and animal welfare" policies on livestock and feed production.