FAO Assistant Director-General and Chief Veterinarian Thanawat Tiensin addressed the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as the Parliament’s Sustainable Livestock Intergroup. During these exchanges, he presented FAO’s report Pathways towards Lower Emissions and engaged with policymakers on the future of sustainable livestock systems.
In his interventions, ADG Tiensin outlined major trends and challenges facing the livestock sector and highlighted how FAO supports farmers in meeting sustainability requirements. He underscored the Organization’s work to enhance preparedness and resilience, and to promote effective mitigation options through balanced and evidence-based policies.
He also emphasized that livestock remains a lifeline for billions of people—providing food, income, cultural value, and stability for rural communities worldwide.
Despite mounting pressures from climate change, geopolitical shocks, market instability, and evolving societal expectations, FAO reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable livestock transformation. This includes the work of the COAG SubCommittee on Livestock, the Sustainable Livestock Transformation Initiative, the forthcoming Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock, and the Sustainable Livestock Transformation Innovation Hub.
During his mission to Brussels, ADG Tiensin also held bilateral meetings with Marjeta Jager, Deputy Director-General of DG INTPA, and Pierre Bascou, Deputy Director-General of DG AGRI. He participated in technical exchanges with senior officials from DG SANTE and DG HERA, and concluded his visit with discussions with representatives of the incoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Across these engagements, ADG Tiensin reiterated FAO’s strategic priorities for the livestock sector. He stressed the need for a comprehensive transformation that strengthens sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience across the value chain—from farmers and the private sector to policymakers. He also highlighted ongoing efforts under the Sustainable Livestock Transformation Strategy, the One Health Strategy, and FAO’s work on transboundary animal diseases, which continue to grow in importance for both European and global policy agendas.
