Europe's meat and dairy production must halve by 2050, expert warns

Policymakers, farmers and consumers face 'deeply uncomfortable choices', says author of report advising urgent reduction of unsustainable livestock sector

Europe's animal farming sector has exceeded safe bounds for greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient flows and biodiversity loss, and urgently needs to be scaled back, according to a major report.

Pressure on livestock farmers is set to intensify this century as global population and income growth raises demand for meat-based products beyond the planet's capacity to supply it.