In the last 20 years the livestock sector recorded a 37% reduction in breeders

Omissions

• The 37% figure found in sources refers to a reduction in total EU farms over 15 years (2005-2020), not specifically livestock breeders over 20 years
• EP sources indicate Europe lost about 40% of farmers in 20 years, which is similar but not identical to the claimed 37%
• Data specifically distinguishing 'livestock breeders' from general farm statistics could not be located
• Two independent sources or one primary source confirming the exact claim could not be found

Sources

• PrimaryEurostat - EU livestock populations continued to decrease in 2024Compared with 2014, livestock populations declined: pigs -8.1%, bovine animals -8.7%, sheep -9.4%, goats -16.3%
• SecondaryMeat The Facts - EU livestock populations continue to decrease according to EurostatA loss of around 5.3 million farms, or a 37% reduction over the past fifteen years (not specifically livestock breeders, and over 15 years not 20)
• SecondaryEuropean Commission Audiovisual Service - EP Plenary SessionEurope has lost about 40% of its farmers in 20 years (refers to farmers generally, not specifically livestock breeders; figure is 40% not 37%)