As we move further into 2026, the PATHWAYS project is entering an exciting phase, with many of our key results now coming to fruition. In the months ahead, we will be sharing new insights, tools and publications that contribute to the transition towards more sustainable livestock and food systems, with many of these outcomes also featured at our final event in May.
In this edition, discover the For Sustainable Food Forum on 13 May and register to join us in Brussels or online. You can also explore our latest publications, from innovative solutions to reduce emissions in livestock systems to new indicators for animal welfare and biodiversity, alongside insights from recent events and policy discussions. We also invite you to read our interview with Catherine Pfeifer on why gender matters in livestock research and sustainability.
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European agricultural policy is at a crossroads, facing growing sustainability demands, technological change and shifting societal expectations. On 13 May 2026, the For Sustainable Food Forum, organised by the PATHWAYS project, will bring together policymakers, researchers, industry and civil society in Brussels to explore how Europe can align environmental performance, economic viability and social responsibility in its agrifood and livestock sectors.
Join us in Brussels or online for our final event and be part of the conversation shaping the future of sustainable food systems.
Why Gender Matters in Sustainable Livestock Systems
Q&A with Catherine Pfeifer
Why does gender matter in livestock research? Because when research ignores certain realities, sustainability solutions risk failing in practice. Ahead of International Women’s Day, we spoke with Catherine Pfeifer, Senior Scientist at Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL Switzerland.
Assessment of impacts of a vacuum robot on NH3, CH4, N2O and odours emitted in pig finishing units
This recent publication from the PATHWAYS project examines the impact of using a vacuum robot to remove manure in pig finishing units. Conducted in a commercial pig farm in France, the study compared a conventional housing system with one equipped with a robot that regularly removed manure from the pit.
The results showed significant reductions in emissions, including 28% less ammonia (NH₃), 37% less methane (CH₄), and a 52% decrease in odour emissions, without affecting animal performance. The findings highlight the potential of this technology to help reduce environmental impacts in existing pig housing systems.
This new PATHWAYS deliverable explores key aspects of livestock sustainability in Europe, focusing on biodiversity and animal welfare. The study defines and validates practical indicators for both areas and tests their potential as self-assessment tools for farmers on selected European livestock farms. These indicators aim to support farmers in evaluating and improving the sustainability of their production systems.
PATHWAYS has been working on making the livestock sector more sustainable since 2021, and we have developed some tools and resources to contribute our knowledge and research to the conversation on the future sustainable livestock policy landscape.
Discover the evolution of the EU Common Agricultural Policy, policy briefs and the PATHWAYS Storylines – a set of scenarios inviting us to reflect about the future of the EU livestock sector.
EU Livestock 2030: Aligning Policy, Practice & Consumer Expectations
On 18 March 2026, PATHWAYS and its sister projects mEATquality, INTAQT, and Code Re-Farm co-organised a joint-stakeholder event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives to discuss the future of Europe’s livestock sector. This event marked the end of the mEATquality project.
The discussions highlighted the importance of aligning sustainability, competitiveness, and consumer trust, while recognising that price remains a key driver of purchasing decisions. Key themes included the role of food authenticity and credible communication in building trust, the role of consumers, and the challenge of balancing environmental performance with economic viability.
The event also introduced the European Commission’s upcoming livestock strategy, structured around resilience, competitiveness, adaptability, and territorial diversity.
A Bright Future for the EU Livestock Sector | Seminar
At a PATHWAYS event held in Brussels on 11 February 2026, partners from IDDRI presented four forward-looking scenarios for the future of the French meat sector by 2035: Business as Usual, Efficiency First, Feed–No–Food, and Rural Renaissance.
Developed through three years of dialogue with sector stakeholders, these scenarios explore the structural, economic and policy changes required for each pathway. The event brought together experts and policymakers to discuss how research, policy and industry can work together to shape a credible and socially acceptable vision for the future of livestock in Europe.
Explore the key takeaways of the event as well as the recording on our website.
Configurations of leverage points for the deliberate acceleration of ideal-type transition pathways in the EU food system
This study explores how to drive meaningful change in the EU food system by identifying and combining key “leverage points” - strategic areas where targeted action can trigger wider transformation. Moving beyond single interventions, the research highlights how coordinated combinations of deep and practical measures can help overcome systemic resistance to change. By analysing different transition pathways, the study shows how innovations can be scaled up more effectively, supporting the shift towards more sustainable and healthy food systems across Europe.
Voices on climate: "Ruminants contribute significantly to the resilience of food production"
In a recent interview, FiBL expert Florian Leiber shares insights from over 25 years of research on grassland-based systems and sustainable feed resources. He highlights the complex role of ruminants in climate change, noting both methane emissions and their contribution to resilient food production systems. The discussion also explores pathways towards more climate-friendly livestock farming and the importance of sustainably managing global grasslands.
EU citizens reply loudly: current animal welfare laws not fit for purpose
A recent EU public consultation on the modernisation of on-farm animal welfare rules has revealed strong public demand for change. With over 230,000 responses, the results show overwhelming support for phasing out cages, ending the killing of day-old chicks, and strengthening existing legislation. A large majority of respondents believe current EU animal welfare laws are insufficient, while also calling for fair import standards and financial support to help farmers transition. The findings send a clear signal to policymakers: citizens expect more ambitious and effective animal welfare legislation that balances high standards with economic viability for farmers.
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