There is great potential to further advance the livestock sector through research and innovation in performance recording, breeding value prediction, and the development of livestock breeding. A key opportunity lies in the cost-effective collection of data on new economically important phenotypes, which can then be used in breeding practice for real economic impact.
One example is the use of sensor data in dairy cattle farms, where data from different sources can be combined with outputs that make economic sense for breeders. Additionally, genomic prediction of breeding values and subsequent selection represents another promising approach. In dairy cattle breeding, for instance, selection now extends beyond production and non-production traits to environmental considerations. Advancements in breeding values now make it possible to breed for genetic traits that, among other things, lower methane emissions or enhance feed conversion efficiency.
Breeding strategies must adapt to the changing landscape and priorities in the livestock sector. This involves integrating new approaches to data processing, such as machine learning, deep learning, and big data analysis. Investments in breeding, given their effectiveness and cumulative impact, are ideally suited for this purpose.
International cooperation, exemplified by organisations such as the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) and its subsidiaries Interbull and Interbeef, can also prove highly effective. ICAR, a platform that fosters knowledge and collaboration, brings together experts from 130 organisations in 60 countries to share insights, compare results, and develop international guidelines.
Striking a balance between sustainability, environmental goals, and the economic realities of different countries is also crucial. The diverse economic climates, needs, and challenges that exist across regions must inform the development of future strategies. Technological requirements also vary, with distinct differences between Europe and North America compared to Africa, for example.
Moving forward, the livestock production chain will require new economic models and national policies. Education, scientific research, and the sharing of international experiences, ideally through cross-border projects, will be key to achieving progress.
Taking advantage of the experience of developed countries can be valuable for developing nations. A key role of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is to moderate discussions and provide a space for the exchange of information and experiences. The organisation is also tasked with setting the standard when it comes to technical and statistical analysis by merging data from multiple sources and generating outputs that are of practical benefit. International workshops and seminars organised by the FAO offer a platform for experts working in different countries to exchange views on solutions aimed at standardising practice, and to establish mutually beneficial partnerships.
Cooperation between the FAO and other organisations such as ICAR and Interbull can deliver many benefits in the field of performance recording and breeding value estimation. Strengthening the genetic basis of given traits and characteristics is one of the most effective ways of improving animal production. Now and in the future, these techniques have the potential to reduce emissions and increase efficiency. For example, predictive breeding techniques can help to reduce methane emissions and improved feed conversion. Breeding for sustainability-related traits using genomics is one of the most promising areas, reflecting the direction in which efforts are now focused.
The FAO also has a vital role to play in stimulating discussion on new business models that can be introduced in member countries, especially developing nations. This approach can help promote innovation, modernise technology, and advance the field of data processing. Developing new agricultural policies and acknowledging the ways in which farmers and government officials now communicate and interact are also important. One way the FAO could improve in this regard is to conduct more hands-on workshops with the aim of bringing government representatives and stakeholders together to discuss case studies and generate productive debate on key issues. Creating an environment conducive to open dialogue and removing barriers to participation are proven to maximise the exchange of knowledge between individuals.
In the Czech Republic, the impacts of the climate crisis, particularly drought, on agricultural production are being keenly felt. The problem is largely due to increased variations in rainfall and temperatures compared to times gone by. The growing instability in weather patterns, which has led to an increase in sudden events such as floods, storms, and extended dry spells around the world, will be more and more common. This global emergency needs can be partly addressed by introducing changes in technology that align with innovations in breeding practices.
A well-targeted agricultural policy and a meaningfully designed agricultural subsidy scheme would do much to improve practice in this area. Consumer preferences, which are increasingly taking sustainability into account, are especially important. The global agricultural community must make a commitment to change the way in which crops are grown by optimising production and taking an approach to rearing livestock that embraces new methods and technologies.
For instance, developing and investing in the field of performance recording and breeding value estimation has the potential to transform animal breeding. Indeed, a wide range of sustainability-related traits are already being bred, with the quest for new traits set to continue long into the future.
The key will be to develop practical business models and agrarian policies that respect the needs and constraints of different stakeholders, while striking a balance become economic realities and opportunities. On this front, the FAO has a major role to play in stimulating the debate.
Mr. Pavel Bucek
While diversification, as previously mentioned, can strengthen resilience, a certain level of specialisation within the different links of the food chain is often desirable from the perspective of economic efficiency. After all, maintaining and implementing a wide range of activities at a high level within a single enterprise is not always possible.
The foundations for sustainability in the livestock sector are built on high labour productivity, a meaningful production programme, continuous innovation, and the integration of up-to-date scientific knowledge and technology advancements. These elements are crucial for ensuring affordable food and the overall stability of the sector.
The capacity of farmers to unite under one organisation, such as a marketing cooperative, for example, is essential for defending their own interests. These organisations can empower farmers to negotiate better prices for their agricultural products and strengthen their market position. Rather than solely serving as the suppliers of primary products, farmers should actively participate throughout the entire value chain, including trade. Pooling resources can also lead to more cost-effective procurement of raw materials entering primary production, potentially resulting in significant savings. These economic aspects should be central to discussions when considering new strategies.
The development of innovative, value-added processed agricultural products presents a substantial opportunity for primary producers to enhance their economic standing and livelihoods. Innovation, in general, will undoubtedly play an important role in the future of the agricultural sector.
Biotechnology, innovative approaches to animal breeding, and modern data analysis techniques represent promising areas for advancing the agricultural sector. Crucially, creating new and effective economic models is necessary to ensure competitiveness and support agricultural policies. Guaranteeing food security and backing local producers in each country are essential topics for discussion.
Additionally, economic imbalances in foreign trade structures within countries must be acknowledged. For example, developing countries typically export raw materials to developed countries at low prices, whereas developed countries tend to export value-added products at high prices. Low wages in the agricultural sector frequently contribute to this disparity.
A pressing and highly relevant issue currently facing the livestock sector is generational change, which poses a significant challenge. Therefore, achieving a compromise on green demands, driven by new national and international policies, will be crucial. The situation varies from country to country, with differing needs and options in this area. Failure to strike a balance could negatively impact living standards in many countries.
Creating a supportive environment at both the national level and within commercial services is key. This includes providing quality banking services, advisory support, insurance options, and other essential resources. The absence of these services, particularly in developing countries, is a major cause for concern. Promoting high-quality facilities and innovative concepts in this area can significantly improve the situation for farmers.
In many countries, food producers are not on an equal footing with processors, traders, and suppliers. Producers are often at a disadvantage because of their smaller scale, which presents them with economic challenges when it comes to pricing their products. They are also more vulnerable to market turbulence, price volatility, and climate change risks.
Appropriate econometric models can be leveraged to assess the impacts of various measures, quantify changes, and predict future developments. They can also be used to analyse possible interventions and their potential outcomes. Indeed, targeted projects aimed at assisting the introduction of technological, commercial, breeding, and performance monitoring innovations have proven highly effective in developed countries. Similar initiatives can be instrumental in driving positive change within developing nations.
Resilience for primary livestock producers can be defined as achieving an economically sustainable business that respects environmental concerns, utilises natural resources responsibly, produces safe and high-quality food, respects consumer preferences, and ensures a decent standard of living for farmers. Ultimately, it boils down to establishing a viable and sustainable business model.