Key drivers for the EU compound feed production market in 2024 included economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, and ongoing environmental and animal disease impacts. Looking forward into 2025, FEFAC sees these factors continuing to shape production dynamics across the EU, affecting different animal feed sectors in varied ways. 

According to data from FEFAC, industrial compound feed production in the EU27 is projected to rise slightly by 0.50% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching 147 million tons.
Poultry feed production shows moderate growth, with an expected increase of 1.3%. This recovery follows a challenging 2023, driven by a rebound in poultry production in key member states such as France, Spain, and Portugal. This recovery from the impacts of Avian Influenza began last year. Poultry production in Hungary and Italy, however, continues to suffer from continued H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks. 

The pig feed sector remains under pressure but is showing signs of stabilization compared to last year. In particular, modest recovery is anticipated in Ireland (+3%), Spain (+5%), and Poland (+1.9%). FEFAC noted, however, that there is an overall decline in pig populations in EU27 due to ongoing economic and animal disease-related pressures, particularly from African swine fever (ASF). In addition, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands face heightened policy pressure to reduce farm emissions or further downscale animal husbandry, creating significant uncertainty for the sector. 

Related:No new FMD cases in Germany after further testing

EU cattle feed production is expected to remain relatively steady, with minor fluctuations depending on regional conditions linked to the availability of roughage, according to FEFAC.