What happened
The European Commission has adopted uniform operating conditions for poultry and pig rearing under the Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive. The new framework, known as UCOL, sets common minimum requirements for reducing ammonia released to air and limiting nitrogen and phosphorus excretion by animals.
It replaces separate national approaches for covered poultry and pig farms. Rather than requiring the full permitting arrangements used for industrial installations, Member States can register these farms under a simplified system.
Farmers can choose the methods they use, provided they achieve the required environmental standards. The measures include improved manure management, changes to feeding practices and animal-housing measures. Techniques not included in UCOL may also be used where a Member State confirms, on scientific evidence, that they deliver equivalent environmental performance.
Why it matters
The requirements create a shared baseline for poultry and pig farms across the EU, affecting farms within the scope of the directive. The Commission says the approach is intended to reduce administrative burden while retaining environmental safeguards.
Feeding strategies are given priority where they are economically proportionate, particularly for smaller farms covered by the rules and for existing sites. The common framework is also intended to support consistent competition within the EU internal market.
Background
The revised Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive covers emissions to air, water and land, as well as waste prevention, from major industrial facilities and intensive livestock farms. Its revised provisions distinguish large poultry and pig farms from industrial plants and provide a simpler regulatory route for the livestock sector.
What's next
UCOL will apply to farms from 2030 to 2032, with the timing determined by farm size. The phased start is intended to give operators time to prepare.
