European poultry production will need to expand significantly to meet rising demand, but investment is being held back by regulation, permitting delays and competition from imports, the EU poultry industry has warned.
The call came from AVEC, the Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU, following its 68th General Assembly in Sorrento, Italy, where the organisation marked its 60th anniversary.
AVEC said EU poultry consumption increased by 10.4% between 2020 and 2025, while production grew by 5.6%. Imports increased by 27.2% over the same period, according to its 2026 Annual Report.
Rabobank’s Nan-Dirk Mulder told delegates that Europe could require around 2.2 million tonnes more poultry production by 2032.
“In the next six or seven years, we will need around 2.2 million tonnes more poultry in the EU,” he said. “The big question is: where will we produce it, and will we have the permission and investment capacity to do so?”
AVEC president Gert Jan Oplaat said food production should be regarded as a strategic priority alongside energy, economic and defence security.
“Food is not simply a commodity. Food is infrastructure,” he said. “Defence security matters. Energy security matters. Economic security matters. But none of them replaces food security.”
The organisation welcomed the direction of the European Commission’s EU Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan, saying European policy was beginning to recognise livestock’s contribution to competitiveness, resilience and food security.
However, Oplaat warned that poultry businesses continued to face lengthy permitting procedures, rising costs and a competitiveness gap with third-country producers.
“Turning a tanker is difficult. It takes time, energy and people willing to stand on the bridge and change course,” he said.
“Commissioner Hansen and others have started changing the conversation around livestock, competitiveness and food security. That matters.”
European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen said the ambition was for the sector to become more competitive and capable of meeting growing demand.
“I want this sector to be even more competitive than it currently is. That it doesn’t have to fear competition from third countries. That we are able to expand production to meet customer demands. And that this is a profitable business for all actors along the value chain,” he said.
AVEC also called for stronger reciprocity in trade, arguing that imports should face requirements equivalent to those imposed on European producers.
“I believe that competing fairly also means a level playing field,” Hansen said. “In our trade agreements, we will keep strong protection for our products. Reciprocity is key.”
AVEC said effective audits and controls would be needed to ensure imported poultry met the required standards.
“The direction is beginning to change, and we welcome that,” Oplaat said. “Now Brussels must look beyond the bubble and act on the realities facing farmers and businesses. Stop adding barriers, allow the sector to invest and modernise, and defend European production through real reciprocity.”