Perspectives of pig breeding sector in Europe

Agriculture worldwide in future period will face with a number of major challenges: rapid population growth, climate change, an increasing demand for energy, resource shortages, accelerated urbanisation, dietary changes, ageing populations in rural areas in developed countries, increased competition on world markets, and lack of access to credit developing countries. Agriculture in the European Union is characterised by the gradually declining of the area of land available for agriculture due to increased forestry, biogas production and urbanisation. Furthermore, it is characterised by a long-term decline in the number of holdings with a corresponding increase in the area per holding. Currently, European Union is self-sufficient in cereals, total meat production and milk and dairy products. Forecasts indicate similar level of self-sufficiency in future (till year 2025). Analysis and forecasts of pig meat market development in Europe in year 2025 indicate increase of net production (amount of increase will vary regarding the state), slightly increase of consumption in Europe, significant increase of export (mainly in China) while import remains unchanged. Croatia and Serbia together breed about 3% of total pig production in Europe. Can we do better? Let’s review the advantages: natural resources (agricultural land ; cereal production ; water), educated stakeholders, and possibility for investments (CAP – II. Pilar, SAPARD, IPARD). Lastly, for sustainable development of pig breeding it is necessary to ensure: government support (simplification and price cuts of administration ; simplification and price cuts of cost of capital as well as institutional support (scientific community, advisory service). The question is, will we organize?