engleski

Increase of the competitiveness of the livestock sector through knowledge and innovations

Small-scale farmers, including livestock farmers, contribute between 50 and 70 percent of the world's food supply. Also, they are considered to be one of the most important factors in agricultural and rural development in all European countries, given the fact that small farmers and family farmers remain key factors for food safety, employment, poverty eradication and environmental conservation. The issue of small agricultural systems is also directly linked to the need for greater co- ordination among stakeholders along the value chains. Every day, small family farms and its participants are faced with several challenges that hinder their active participation in sustainable agricultural and rural development in European countries. Their specific needs in terms of technological innovations are not always considered, and the main innovations are often not tailored to the specific conditions of small owners. Research and innovation has made the European livestock sector competitive, balanced and efficient as it is today. Therefore, in order to address new challenges in ensuring the supply of safe and healthy food of high quality, reducing environmental impact, ensuring better use of resources while respecting animal integrity, satisfying consumer needs and contributing to an economically viable economy especially in small scale farms, it is necessary to provide permanent support for research and innovation in the livestock sector and their application at the state and local level.

livestock production ; innovations ; knowledge ; competitiveness

nije evidentirano