This brief analyses the contribution of livestock value chains to the bioeconomy sectors in the EU from an economic perspective. In 2023, the main livestock-related activities generated an approximate value added of EUR 256 bn, equivalent to 30% of total biomass producing and converting activities in the EU (EUR 863 bn). Primary production accounted for EUR 91 bn (about 40 % of all primary production and 11 % of all biomass producing and converting sectors), food-product manufacturing for EUR 108 bn (≈ 13 % of the biomass producing and converting sectors), leather for EUR 10 bn and bio-based chemicals & pharmaceuticals for EUR 47 bn (approximate). Over the 2013-2023 period the livestock-related activities grew from EUR 150 bn to EUR 256 bn. The most rapid expansion was observed in chemicals and pharmaceuticals (more than a two-fold increase), while primary production and food-product manufacturing showed steady growth after 2018. The share of livestock in the wider biomass producing and converting sector remained stable, rising only from 28.2 % to 29.6 %. Member-state shares of livestock-related value added within their biomass producing and converting activities range from under 10 % to more than 40 % (e.g. Ireland). The latter are smaller economies with high specialization in livestock value chains. Countries with a share between 25 % and 35 % fall into two patterns: (i) strong agri-food economies where livestock underpins primary production and food processing (Spain, France, Poland and Romania); and (ii) economies with advanced downstream processing combined with traditional livestock streams (Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, Germany and Italy). Forest-oriented northern and eastern states display lower shares (Sweden ≈ 19 %, Finland ≈ 17 %, Baltic states ≈ 15-18 %).

LASARTE LOPEZ Jesus;  M'BAREK Robert; 

2026-07-03

European Commission

JRC146560

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC146560,