The physical and financial scale of EU livestock production means that it has far-reaching environmental, economic and social consequences. Livestock production is an important part of the economy and vitality in many regions including some marginal rural areas. Its social importance extends beyond employment; many of the valued landscapes and cuisines of the EU have evolved along with livestock production. It also has negative impacts on the environment, through the consumptions of finite resources (land, water and energy) and the production of physical flows (such as nutrients, greenhouse gases, and toxic substances) that can impact on biodiversity, human health and ultimately the functioning of the ecosystems upon which we depend for food production. Livestock also produces a range of other goods and services.