At the recent AVEC General Assembly, Europe’s poultry sector raised alarms over the implications of rising imports and complex regulations on food security. Leaders emphasized the necessity for fair trade practices and innovation to support future farmers.
AVEC, the Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU, held its pivotal 67th General Assembly in Copenhagen, organized by the Danish Agriculture and Food Council. The assembly addressed increasing tensions surrounding the EU-Mercosur trade deal under the theme “Competitiveness in a Changing World.” The focus was laid on fortifying Europe’s agri-food resilience through sustainable growth and the crucial role poultry plays in ensuring future food security.
“Poultry is indispensable to Europe’s food security.” – AVEC’s President, Gert-Jan Oplaat
Highlighting European Poultry’s Success
Gert-Jan Oplaat noted that the poultry sector stands as a “quiet success story” for Europe—efficient, sustainable, and circular. “We provide high-quality protein with the lowest carbon footprint among meats, utilizing every part of the bird across various sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and energy,” Oplaat remarked, underscoring poultry’s significance to European food security.
Rising Pressure from Imports
Despite the sector’s strengths, increasing imports from third countries like Brazil, China, and Ukraine pose a significant challenge. Oplaat highlighted alarming statistics: “25% of poultry breast meat consumed in the EU now originates from non-EU sources,” raising concerns about production standards.
Figure 1: Poultry Meat Imports in the EU
– Source: DG Agri
The Importance of Young Farmers
As the industry’s landscape evolves, it faces challenges such as complex regulations diminishing competitiveness and a significant demographic challenge. Sébastien Pérel of CEJA noted, “Only 6.5% of EU farmers are under 35, emphasizing that without young farmers, agriculture’s future is bleak.”
Concerns Over the Mercosur Deal
Recent discussions highlighted the ongoing concerns over the Mercosur deal, as AVEC joined other agri-food organizations in expressing that the agreement would undermine Europe’s sustainability model and expose EU producers to unfair competition. Oplaat emphasized the necessity of maintaining high EU standards and protecting consumer trust amidst these negotiations.
A Vision for the Future
Looking forward, the European Union has outlined a new Vision for Agriculture and Food focusing on enhancing competitiveness, food security, and fair trade. This vision resonates with AVEC’s goals, establishing a foundation for stronger collaboration moving ahead. “We are more aligned than ever,” noted Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle, Director at DG AGRI, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based dialogue for sustainable agricultural practices.
Upcoming Competitiveness Study
To support these strategic directions, AVEC plans to launch a new Competitiveness Study in early 2026. The study will assess EU legislation impacts, evaluate competitiveness against non-EU producers, and model possible trade policy scenarios, reinforcing the message that high standards should be a strength rather than a weakness.
“We can and want to remain competitive.” – Oplaat
Ensuring a Level Playing Field
AVEC’s call to action for policymakers is emphatic: streamline regulations to reduce red tape, ensure fair competition through border reciprocity, and support innovation and generational renewal. Oplaat concluded, “Europe must stand with us. Without reciprocal trade agreements and fair conditions, we risk outsourcing our food security.”
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