SCAR Sustainable Animal Production group convenes in Denmark! 

From 17-18^th December 2025, the SCAR SAP Working Group convened at Aarhus University, Denmark, for a highly productive and engaging meeting focused on key developments in sustainable agri-food and livestock systems.

The agenda featured a wide range of insightful updates and presentations, including:

• Policy updates from DG AGRI, delivered by Valerio Abbadessa
• An overview of SAP Working Group activities by Elke Saggau
• Introduction to the RefreSCAR study on the sustainability of livestock farming systems by Sanna Hietala
• A presentation by Wilhelm Windisch on the role of livestock in circular agri-food systems
• An overview of the STEP UP Project

Updates from related SCAR Working Groups:

• Food Systems – Niels Halberg
• Agroecology – Claire Rogel-Gaillard
• Animal Health & Welfare – Hein Imberechts
• Presentations by Mads de Wolff and Ejnar Schultz on Denmark’s Green Tripartite
• A presentation by Rasmus Bak Stephansen (Aarhus University) on GHG emissions from dairy and beef cattle
• An update from John Harrison, DAFM on the next workshop, to be held in Ireland

On the second day, participants visited the Foulum Research Center, gaining first-hand insights into three key research areas:

• Biorefinery research, where they work to extract protein from grass for feed for pigs, poultry and grass pulp for cattle or biogas.
• Danish Livestock Research Center, for a talk on research for reducing the climate impact from cows.
• Biogas plant, for an overview of the world's largest experimental plant and the possibilities and challenges in Biogas production.

Many thanks to Aarhus University for hosting, in particular Vivi Hunnicke Nielsen, and to all contributors for the valuable discussions and knowledge sharing!