Expressions of Interest are now welcome for a new EU CAP Network Thematic Group (TG) on the CAP’s role in supporting sustainable and competitive livestock systems and must be submitted by 01 December 2025.
This TG is an opportunity to be part of a committed group of experts and relevant stakeholders that will explore how to improve the way CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) are used to support transitions to more sustainable livestock production models, taking into account the diversity of livestock systems in the EU. It will explore ways to reduce their climate/environmental footprint as well as maintain those systems that are beneficial for biodiversity and landscapes, taking into account the economic and socio-cultural implications of such changes to make them resilient for the future. It will build on experiences and situations in different regions and value chains.
The proposed objectives of this TG are to:
- Explore the different pathways and approaches being adopted in different parts of the EU, to promote diverse, sustainable and competitive livestock production systems taking into account territorial specificities.
- Consider the role CSPs can play in supporting tailored approaches to enable the sustainability and competitiveness of all livestock production models, building on existing examples to identify where the current barriers lie and the factors that need to be in place to drive meaningful change.
- Identify the necessary conditions (e.g. markets) and tools outside the CAP that should work hand in hand with CSPs to progress along the identified pathways.
- Identify and share good practice examples that illustrate the actions currently being taken to promote more sustainable and competitive livestock systems.
The TG will consist of a small group (around 40) of dedicated cross-section informed and engaged stakeholders including policymakers and administrators at regional and national levels (including Managing Authorities, Paying Agencies), farmers and farming organisations, LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs), Operational Groups (EIP), advisers, researchers, National CAP Networks (NNs)and other relevant rural and environmental stakeholders.
Participants must commit to engaging in two meetings and related activities, ensuring diverse perspectives and active contributions to achieving the TG’s objectives.
- The first meeting will take place in person in Brussels on 29 January 2026.
- The second meeting will take place in person on 15 April 2026 (location to be defined).
There is no charge for attendance at these meetings. However, for the in-person meeting, travel and accommodation costs may be covered for TG members farmers, farming organisations, LAGs, Operational Groups (EIP), European and national civil society organisations (including NGOs), and researchers/universities. All other TG members will need to pay for their own travel and accommodation costs.
More details are available on the TG page on the EU CAP Network website.
Learn more about supports available under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 by clicking here.
