FEFAC prepares for pivotal 2026 European livestock sector congress in Bucharest
FEFAC, the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation, has announced the opening of registrations for its 31st Congress, scheduled for 20 May 2026 in Bucharest, Romania. The event, organised in collaboration with the Romanian National Association of Compound Feed Manufacturers (ANFNC), will take place at the prestigious Hotel Intercontinental Athénée Palace. It forms part of a three-day programme running from 19 to 21 May that includes the 13th ANFNC Annual Conference and technical visits, facilitating in-depth engagement across the European feed and livestock sectors.
The Congress theme, "European livestock sector – QUO VADIS? Outlook to EU livestock and feed production in the Circular Bioeconomy," reflects the sector’s pivotal moment amid evolving EU strategies. Participants will engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and scientific experts on market trends, trade developments, innovations in animal nutrition, and policy incentives geared towards circular bioeconomy practices. This timing coincides with the anticipated release of the European Commission’s first comprehensive report on the long-term strategy for the livestock sector, which aims to promote a more competitive, sustainable, and resilient food system.
The event promises substantial high-level participation, including a keynote address by Pierre Bascou, Deputy Director General of DG AGRI at the European Commission, and notable contributions from Elli Tsiforou, Secretary General of COPA COGECA, and Koen van Dyck, Head of Unit at DG SANTE, who will discuss sustainable feed additives supporting livestock and aquaculture transitions. These engagements underline the strategic importance of the congress in shaping policy and innovation pathways for European feed and livestock industries.
The Congress kicks off on 19 May with the ANFNC Annual Conference titled "FEED & FORESIGHT 2026 – Vision and Innovation Driving the Future of the Sustainable Feed and Meat Industry in Europe." This conference underscores the sector’s need for innovation, collaboration, and forward-looking vision amid rapid changes in trade relations, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks. ANFNC President Iani Chihaia emphasised the event’s role in bridging science, policy, and industry to build a resilient animal protein value chain. The welcoming reception hosted at the Romanian Athenaeum, an emblem of Europe’s cultural heritage and artistic excellence, provides an informal setting for networking among stakeholders.
On 21 May, delegates will have the opportunity to choose between two immersive field visits that deepen practical understanding of the feed sector’s logistics and production processes. One visit will explore Constanța Port, focusing on grain trade flows and innovations in quality assurance, kindly hosted by Cargill. Alternatively, a half-day visit to a Bunge oilseed crushing facility will offer insights into industrial operations and best practices within the feed supply chain.
FEFAC President Pedro Cordero highlighted the importance of the congress amid evolving policy landscapes and global trade challenges. He encouraged members and stakeholders to participate in discussions on innovation in animal nutrition, circular bioeconomy incentives, and trade developments impacting EU feed and livestock markets. The congress is positioned as a key platform for stakeholders to collaborate on advancing sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience within European livestock production.
This event represents a significant convergence of expertise and interests within the European feed industry, reinforcing Romania’s rising profile as a dynamic hub integrated into European and global protein supply chains. The choice of Bucharest and iconic venues reflects not only logistical suitability but also the cultural and historic dimensions that can enrich industry discourse.
Registrations for the Congress and the accompanying ANFNC conference are now open, inviting a wide array of stakeholders, including feed manufacturers, livestock integrators, policymakers, researchers, and traders. Together, they will navigate the challenges and opportunities defining the next decade for Europe’s sustainable livestock and feed sectors.