IPC at AVEC’s GA

IPC at the AVEC EU Poultry General Assembly in Sorrento🌋

Last week, the European poultry sector gathered in Sorrento for the AVEC EU Poultry General Assembly, under the theme “Building the Future Through Innovation”.

The General Assembly was opened by Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, who highlighted two issues of particular importance for the poultry sector: the need to strengthen food sovereignty at the continental level and to ensure reciprocity in EU trade agreements with third countries, protecting European producers from unfair competition.

The discussions throughout the Assembly made clear that building a resilient and competitive poultry sector requires more than technological innovation. It also requires:
🔹 Science-based policymaking and a strong commitment to evidence and expertise
🔹 The right regulatory and investment environment to turn innovation into greater competitiveness
🔹 Fair and reciprocal trade conditions that allow European producers to compete on a level playing field
🔹 Collaboration across the value chain and across borders to address shared challenges and opportunities
🔹 A stronger recognition of poultry’s role in providing affordable, nutritious and sustainable animal protein to a growing global population.

The program brought together an impressive range of voices from policy, science and industry. Among all, Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, addressed the future of European agriculture and the conditions needed for a competitive and resilient food production system. Prof. Ilaria Capua explored the evolution of avian influenza and the importance of continuing to strengthen our understanding and preparedness.

The global market outlook was presented by Nan-Dirk Mulder of Rabobank, while Birthe Steenberg, AVEC Secretary General, closed the program by looking at how the sector can translate its strategy into action.

The message from Sorrento is highly relevant beyond Europe. Many of the challenges facing poultry producers, from animal health and sustainability to trade, competitiveness and consumer confidence, are global in nature and require international cooperation.
A strong and united poultry sector, grounded in science and supported by sound policy, will be better positioned to contribute to global food security while continuing to innovate and build resilience.

🤝 Thank you to AVEC and its members for an excellent General Assembly and for bringing together industry, policymakers, scientists and other stakeholders to discuss how we can build the future of poultry together.