Breeding beef cows in the EU will become more environmentally friendly

European beef producers are taking steps to make their industries more environmentally friendly by learning from the experience of British farmers.

Through the EU PATHWAYS project, which will contribute to the farm to fork strategy, UK universities and industry organizations will work with UK farmers to share best practices. This collaboration includes the provision of full grass fattening and the use of technologies such as mobile slaughterhouses.

Dr Lawrence Smith, lecturer in agricultural business management at the University of Reading, said the UK was in an "ideal position" to help Europe and the world adopt more sustainable beef farming practices.

“We have some of the most passionate and dedicated advocates of pastoral farming, which has many potential benefits not only for reducing emissions, but also for improving soil HEALTH, improving animal welfare and shortening food supply chains. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for significant change to address the climate crisis, the agricultural sector and consumer behavior have an important role to play.”

The Pasture Association will be involved in the project, in particular, in helping to determine the prospects for sustainable livestock development.

With over 700 members and over 100 certified farms in the UK, the PFLA champions the value of grazing ruminants and their MEAT and dairy products.

Nikki Yoksall, a research fellow at the organization, said:

“As the home of the herbivores, we are at the forefront of new pasture management practices. We are confident that participation in PATHWAYS will increase our ability to act as a platform for regenerative farmers. We ourselves will learn to succeed by providing support to farmers making the transition to more sustainable production methods.”

UK institutions have received almost £1 million to ensure that best sustainable practices are widely disseminated to farmers across Europe.