Current situation and future prospects for beef production in Europe - A review.

Asian-Australas J Anim Sci. 2018 Jul;31(7):1017-1035. doi: 10.5713/ajas.18.0196. Epub 2018 May 24. Hocquette JF1, Ellies-Oury MP1,2, Lherm M1, Pineau C3, Deblitz C4, Farmer L5. Author information 1 Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France. 2 Bordeaux Science Agro, 1 cours du Général de Gaulle, CS 40201, 33175 Gradignan, France. 3 Institut de l'Elevage, Economie des exploitations, Animatrice du réseau d'élevage du Bassin Charolais et du réseau Rustique, 9 allée Pierre de Fermat, 63170 France. 4 Institute of Farm Economics, Bundesallee 63, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany. 5 Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5PX, UK. Abstract The European Union (EU) is the world's third largest producer of beef. This contributes to the economy, rural development, social life, culture and gastronomy of Europe. The diversity of breeds, animal types (cows, bulls, steers, heifers) and farming systems (intensive, extensive on permanent or temporary pastures, mixed, breeders, feeders, etc) is a strength, and a weakness as the industry is often fragmented and poorly connected. There are also societal concerns regarding animal welfare and environmental issues, despite some positive environmental impacts of farming systems. The EU is amongst the most efficient for beef production as demonstrated by a relative low production of greenhouse gases. Due to regional differences in terms of climate, pasture availability, livestock practices and farms characteristics, productivity and incomes of beef producers vary widely across regions, being among the lowest of the agricultural systems. The beef industry is facing unprecedented challenges related to animal welfare, environmental impact, origin, authenticity, nutritional benefits and eating quality of beef. These may affect the whole industry, especially its farmers. It is therefore essential to bring the beef industry together to spread best practice and better exploit research to maintain and develop an economically viable and sustainable beef industry. Meeting consumers' expectations may be achieved by a better prediction of beef palatability using a modelling approach, such as in Australia. There is a need for accurate information and dissemination on the benefits and issues of beef for human health and for environmental impact. A better objective description of goods and services derived from livestock farming is also required. Putting into practice "agroecology" and organic farming principles are other potential avenues for the future. Different future scenarios can be written depending on the major driving forces, notably meat consumption, climate change, environmental policies and future organization of the supply chain. KEYWORDS: Consumer; Europe; Prospects; Supply Chain; Beef PMID: 29807416 PMCID: PMC6039334 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.18.0196 Free PMC Articl