The EU is seeking experts and organizations for a new Thematic Group on sustainable and competitive livestock farming

The European Union's CAP Network has launched a call for applications to select members for its new Thematic Group (TG) dedicated to analyzing the role of the CAP in the transition to more sustainable and competitive livestock farming systems . Interested individuals and organizations can submit their expression of interest until 1 December 2025 .

This Thematic Group will bring together a small group—around 40 participants—of experts and key stakeholders from the agricultural and rural sector across Europe. Its mission will be to study how the CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) can more effectively support the evolution of different livestock farming models, respecting the existing territorial and productive diversity in the Member States.

Objectives of the new Thematic Group

The TG will work to:

• Explore the different approaches already being applied in the EU to achieve sustainable, competitive livestock systems adapted to territorial specificities.
• Analyze the role of CSPs in promoting more sustainable models, identifying current barriers and necessary conditions to facilitate change.
• Identify which tools and conditions external to the CAP —for example, markets or sectoral regulations— can complement its action.
• To collect and disseminate examples of good practices that are already helping to reduce the environmental footprint of livestock farming or to maintain systems that are beneficial to biodiversity and the landscape.

Who is the call for applications addressed to?

The following may participate:

• Political leaders and regional and national administrations (including Managing Authorities and Paying Agencies).
• Farmers and ranchers, professional agricultural organizations and cooperatives.
• LEADER Local Action Groups, AEI-Agri Operational Groups, CAP advisors and networks.
• Researchers, universities, NGOs and rural or environmental entities.

Experience, knowledge and motivation in matters related to livestock sustainability, the ability to exchange at different levels and the commitment to attend two face-to-face meetings will be valued.

Key dates and operation

The TG will hold two in-person meetings:

• January 29, 2026 , in Brussels.
• April 15, 2026 , at a location yet to be confirmed.

Participation is free. Travel and accommodation expenses may be covered for certain profiles (farmers, agricultural organizations, LAGs, Operational Groups, NGOs, universities), while other participants will have to cover these costs themselves.

The sessions will be conducted in English without interpretation .

Selection process

The selection will take into account:

• Experience and motivation in transition towards sustainable livestock systems.
• Sectoral or institutional representation.
• Availability to attend both meetings and participate in the activities in between.
• Ability to communicate in English.

A balance will also be sought among Member States, sectors, profiles, gender, and age. Selected candidates will receive confirmation by December 12, 2025 .

How to participate

Expressions of interest must be submitted by December 1, 2025 .
Further information is available on the Thematic Group page on the EU CAP Network website .

The EU encourages the dissemination of this call among professional networks, colleagues and entities interested in contributing to the future of European livestock farming.

For inquiries: thematicgroup3@eucapnetwork.eu .

Those who wish to follow the progress of the Thematic Group can visit the website , subscribe to the monthly newsletter and follow the hashtags #SustainableLivestock and #CAPforLivestock on social media.