The INTAQT project: stakeholders’ expectations on husbandry systems and innovative practices

The INTAQT project aims to establish the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic quality criteria of animal products and European husbandry systems. Another aim is to evaluate the impact of innovative husbandry practices on the quality of the products. In order to determine, which husbandry systems and practices the project should study, a European-wide stakeholder consultation of the chicken, beef and dairy value chains was conducted. Stakeholders were presented with a preselection of husbandry systems and were requested to modify or add systems according to their interest, and to name innovative practices to be tested. In total, 161 face-to-face interviews took place between October 2021 and March 2022, followed by 12 national and 3 European group meetings. Overall, stakeholders of all value chains were satisfied with the initially selected systems. Suggestions covered both mainstream systems as well as new, innovative ones, which are emerging due to the growing societal rejection of intensive farming practices. These included systems that improve the farms’ self-autonomy, use local resources or a circular economy, or improve animal welfare and environmental impact. Similarly, actors in all three value chains suggested innovative practices that centre on increased animal welfare and environmental sustainability, thus reflecting a willingness to respond to societal demands.