Animal Welfare and Livestock Farming Are in Focus at Agrilevante
The Mediterranean Agricultural Technologies Exhibition, currently underway in Bari, has opened an important window onto the world of livestock farming. Particular emphasis was placed on the topic of animal welfare, not only for ethical reasons but also because of the close correlation between animal health conditions, food safety, and human health.
Ninety percent of European citizens believe that livestock farming practices should comply with ethical requirements, defined based on the ethological characteristics of each species, with specific reference to, for example, freedom of movement, feeding, and, more generally, the protection of animal health. The issue is also a hot topic in Italy where, according to a 2024 survey by Altroconsumo, 91% of consumers care about animal welfare on farms. The issue, therefore, is highly topical not only for its obvious ethical implications, but also for the strong correlation between animal welfare, food safety, and human health. Farming, animal welfare, and livestock farming in general were topics of discussion at Agrilevante, the international exhibition of agricultural technologies for the Mediterranean currently taking place in Bari. This year, too, the event features a large section dedicated to livestock farming, with a showcase of high-quality animals. Numerous initiatives focused on livestock issues, starting with the conference entitled "The Strength of the Livestock Supply Chain 4.0: Innovation, Sustainability, and One Health for the Future of the Sector," organized by Umbriafiere. During the meeting, it was explained how the adoption of technologically advanced solutions, many of which are on display at Agrilevante, can improve the production efficiency of the livestock sector and contribute to the "One Health" strategy, which combines human health, animal health, and environmental protection. “ONE Health” is also the name of the project presented at this conference by Lucia Amoni of the Health and Welfare Directorate of the Umbria Region. Animal welfare is not only an ethical imperative, but—Amoni explained—also an economic and health necessity for collective health, since there is a direct and measurable relationship between healthy animals, food safety, and consumer well-being. Initiatives aimed at protecting farmed animals are also being implemented in the Apulia region, which has provided specific incentives for this type of operation. The meeting promoted by Confagricoltura Puglia, entitled “The SRD02 Call for Proposals of the CSR Puglia 2023/2027: Financing for Investments in Animal Welfare”, had the objective of presenting the financial guidelines and incentive mechanisms established by the Region. Animal health was the focus of the workshop entitled “Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases: Old and New Issues: The Return of Blue Tongue” sponsored by ASL Bari and PugliaSalute, which took stock of one of the most widespread viral pathologies that often returns with particular vehemence in the Southern regions and on the islands. Sustainability was the topic of discussion at the conference organized by Nazione Futura, CALP, and the Mottola Local Agriculture Observatory Group, on the topic of "Sustainable Agriculture & Livestock Farming: Key Policies and Challenges, Amid Climate Change and Effective Resource Management". The performance of the national agricultural and livestock economy, and that of Apulia, is affected by numerous variables (e.g., inflationary pressures on raw materials) that lead to income stagnation. To address the sector's critical issues, it was pointed out during the meeting, agricultural and livestock farms must optimize the use of production factors, limit resource consumption, and reduce the impact of human activities on the environment. These objectives can be achieved through the use of new-generation production methods and technologies, such as those based on AI and precision agriculture practices. The technical seminar on the topic "Income from Livestock Farming, It Can be Done," promoted by Edagricole, and the workshop organized by CREA on "Precision Livestock Farming," addressed precisely these topics. Finally, among the other Agrilevante meetings dedicated to livestock farming, worth mentioning is the final event of the The Bioz.Zoo.Care project, "Local Apulian Breeds: A Wealth of Biodiversity, Culture, and a Sustainable Future," and the workshop "White Gold: Tools for Creating Added Value for Milk," organized by ANAFIBJ.
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