Key Findings from LIVECoVET WP2: Understanding Stakeholder Needs for the Agroecological Transition
Over the past months, we have worked closely with key stakeholders across the livestock sector — farmers, sector representative
Over the past months, the LIVECoVET project has worked closely with key stakeholders across the European livestock sector — including farmers, sector representatives, advisors, and vocational education and training providers (VET providers).
Through interviews, surveys, focus groups, and market needs analyses conducted in all participating countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, Greece, and Romania), we have gathered valuable first-hand insights into the realities of the sector.
Our objective has been clear: to better understand the current practices, challenges, and priorities shaping the transition towards more sustainable livestock production models.
This needs assessment is essential, because only with a deep understanding of the context can we design training programmes that truly respond to the demands of farmers, advisors, and professionals today.
One of the most encouraging outcomes of the consultation is that the agroecological transition is already underway in many livestock systems. Stakeholders highlighted a wide range of practices currently being adopted and developed across countries.
Among the most frequently mentioned agroecological practices, the following stand out:
Feed and forage management
Improving pasture optimisation, diversifying forage resources, and progressing towards greater feed autonomy were the most commonly cited practices.
Soil improvement and biodiversity
Farmers are increasingly focusing on soil conservation, organic fertilisation through compost and manure, crop rotation diversification, agroforestry, and biodiversity management.
Overall system coherence
Stakeholders emphasised the importance of reducing external inputs, valorising waste, improving energy and water efficiency, developing local partnerships, and strengthening farm organisation.
Herd and genetic management
Practices include genetic selection, preservation of local breeds, herd-size adjustment, and strategies to improve animal robustness and feed efficiency.
Animal health and welfare
Preventive veterinary measures, alternative care approaches, and reduced reliance on antibiotics and chemical treatments are increasingly prioritised across countries.
Recognition and valorisation of quality
Eco-labels, organic certification, territorial quality schemes, and environmental incentives were also frequently mentioned as ways to reward sustainable practices.
Innovation and technical support
Stakeholders highlighted the role of advisory services, environmental assessments, and research programmes as critical enablers of the transition.
Training and Support: Key Drivers for Scaling Up the Transition
While the consultation confirms that agroecological practices are expanding, it also highlights that further progress will depend on strengthening training opportunities and technical support systems.
Stakeholders identified gaps such as:
-
Limited access to practical, context-based training
-
Weak advisory follow-up and under-resourced support structures
-
Fragmented information and difficulty adapting general knowledge to farm realities
These challenges reinforce the importance of developing vocational education and continuous learning pathways that are truly aligned with the needs of livestock professionals.
LIVECoVET’s Contribution: Building Skills for a Sustainable Livestock Future
Within LIVECoVET, we will continue working to develop innovative learning pathways tailored to the realities of the livestock sector.
Our ambition is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, strengthen technical and digital competencies, and promote collaborative, inclusive, and context-based learning approaches.
