The European Feed Manufacturers’ Association (FEFAC) has released its estimates for EU compound feed production in 2025, projecting a slight increase of 0.4% to reach 147.5 million tonnes. This marginal change reflects the relative stability across most animal production sectors, despite increasing market uncertainty and varied national market trends. The EU compound feed sector’s resilience is noteworthy, as it continues to navigate economic, geopolitical, regulatory, environmental, and animal disease-related challenges.
In 2025, EU cattle feed production is forecast to remain virtually unchanged at 41.585 million tonnes. Germany is expected to see a 3% increase, while the Netherlands faces a significant decline of 5% due to regulatory policies. Spain, the largest cattle feed producer, anticipates a 3% decrease, whereas Denmark and Poland are forecast to increase by 4.5% and 3.9%, respectively. The overall downward trend in the sector is attributed to environmental policies and animal diseases, such as recent outbreaks of highly infectious foot-and-mouth disease.
Pig feed production in the EU is expected to reach 47.339 million tonnes in 2025, marking a marginal decrease of 0.5%. Germany and France are estimated to decline by 1.9% and 1.6%, respectively, while the Netherlands is forecast to experience a sharp 10% decline. Spain, the largest producer, is set to stabilize at 13.2 million tonnes. Portugal and Poland are expected to grow by 1.8% and 2.7%, respectively, with Ireland’s pig feed output projected to increase by 3.2%. Hungary, however, is likely to see a decrease of 3.2%. The overall stability in the sector is tempered by structural changes and ongoing disease pressures from African swine fever.
The poultry feed sector is expected to grow in 2025, despite ongoing pressure from avian influenza, with production forecast to increase by 1.5% to 50.653 million tonnes. Spain and Belgium are set for robust increases of 5.8% and 5%, respectively. Production in France is seen growing by 1% to 8.143 million tonnes, while Poland is forecast to increase by 2.3% to 7.44 million tonnes.
For agritech and investors, these projections offer several implications. The stability in the EU compound feed sector suggests a resilient market with potential for steady growth, particularly in the poultry feed sector. Investors might consider opportunities in countries like Germany, Denmark, and Poland, which are forecast to see increases in cattle feed production. The significant decline in the Netherlands due to regulatory policies highlights the impact of environmental regulations on the feed industry, suggesting a need for agritech solutions that can help producers comply with these policies while maintaining profitability.
The marginal decrease in pig feed production, particularly in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, indicates ongoing challenges in the sector. Investors may need to carefully assess the risks associated with animal diseases and structural changes. The growth in poultry feed production, despite avian influenza pressures, points to a sector that is finding ways to adapt and innovate. This could present opportunities for agritech companies developing solutions to improve biosecurity and disease management.
Overall, the FEFAC projections suggest a stable but cautious outlook for the EU compound feed sector. While there are opportunities for growth, particularly in the poultry feed sector, investors and agritech companies must navigate a complex landscape of regulatory, environmental, and disease-related challenges.