In 2024, according to the data published by Eurostat, theEuropean Union It counted 132 million pigs, 72 million cattle, 57 million sheep and 10 million goats. Compared to 2023, all categories of cattle recorded a drop: pigs -0.5%, cattle -2.8%, sheep -1.7%, goats -1.6%.
The decrease in zootechnical populations is part of a long -term trend. From 2014 to 2024, the drops were significant:
- pigs -8.1%;
- cattle -8.7%;
- sheep -9.4%;
- Caprini -16.3%.
This scenario highlights a progressive transformation of agricultural sector European, which is also reflected on the food market and consumer habits.
Less and less in flesh at the table
The forecasts for the second half of 2025 confirm a tendency to the demonstration of animal production, with some exceptions. Bovini’s indigenous indigenous production of cattle should reach the 12.0 million of garments, with a slight increase of 0.5% compared to the same period of 2024 (11.9 million).
Otherwise, sheep production should decrease by 9.3%, reaching 14.2 million garments, while the production of goats will fall by 6.9% (2.2 million items). The pig sector also records an expected drop of 1.3% in the last quarter of 2025 for a total of 58.0 million garments.
The main European producers: who goes up and who descends
In the cattle, the France It is confirmed as the first EU manufacturer with 22% of the production, equal to 2.6 million garments, although slightly decreasing compared to the previous year (-1.6%). Germany (+1.0% to 1.9 million), Ireland (+7.5% to 1.1 million) and Spain (-1.1% to 1.0 million) are growing.
In the pig sector, Spain remains the first producer With 12.8 million items expected in the fourth quarter of 2025 (22% of the EU total), but records a 2.6% drop compared to the same period of 2024. Descent productions also in Denmark (-3.2% to 7.9 million) and France (-1.0% to 5.7 million), while minimal increases are observed in Germany (+0.6% to 8.9 million) and in the Netherlands) (+0.1% to 5.6 million).
As for the sheep production, the Spain It suffers a 14.6% drop but remains the first EU producer with over a quarter of the total. Greece is confirmed as leader in the production of goats with 1.0 million items expected in the second half of 2025. Spanish growth in this segment is also interesting, with an estimated increase of 12% (0.8 million garments).
How the European food market changes
The generalized decline in populations and zootechnical productions reflects a change in the food choices of European citizens. The data suggest a decrease in the demand for meat, in line with the growing attention to the most sustainable diets and a greater consumption of vegetable alternatives.
EU environmental policies and the ecological transition of the agricultural sector are also influencing production dynamics. The reduction of the environmental impact of the farms, the rotation of crops and animal welfare have become increasingly central criteria in corporate strategies. However, does this open to a new reflection, will we go towards a crisis in the sector?
How the diet is changing in Europe
The decrease in animal productions coincides with the expansion of alternative proteins markets. Increases the offer of products Plant-Basedeven in supermarkets, and there is an expansion of Flexitarian and vegetarian consumers. Parallel the technological innovation in the food sector is allowing the development of synthetic foods and cell base.
The change does not only concern consumers but also the entire production chain. Companies are called to reorganize production processes, to improve traceability and invest in more sustainable practices. The Eurostat data therefore outline a structural transformation that involves farmers, transformers, distributors and consumers.
An inevitable transition?
The set of data analyzed confirms that the European Union is moving towards a less dependent food system from zootechny. The push comes from both individual choices and political directives, such as the European Green Deal and the “Farm To Fork” strategy. The flexion of animal productions, albeit gradual, represents a clear indicator of this evolution, which will continue to model the entire European food market in the coming years.
