Royal Jaarbeurs puts sustainable livestock transformation on the global map during FAO 2025

Utrecht, 30 September 2025 - During the second FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Rome, Jeroen van Hooff, CEO Royal Jaarbeurs and president VNU Group, spoke before an international audience about the crucial role of technological innovation, global cooperation and inclusive platforms in achieving sustainable livestock farming. Speaking on behalf of VIV Worldwide, the global portfolio of trade shows for the animal protein chain, he highlighted how trade shows act as catalysts to move from dialogue to action.

Van Hooff indicated that the VIV fairs bring together over 4,000 exhibitors and 138,000 visitors annually in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. "Those who walk through the exhibition aisles see for themselves how innovation has become the backbone of the livestock industry," Van Hooff said. From insect protein and algae feed to AI-driven veterinary diagnostics and precision agriculture, the sector is transforming not only for greater efficiency, but also for transparency, animal welfare and climate resilience. The growth of the global livestock monitoring market - from USD 5.18 billion in 2024 to a projected USD 14.82 billion by 2033 - underlines that sustainability is no longer an option, but a necessity.

At the same time, challenges remain. In emerging markets, many farmers lack access to reliable internet connectivity or sensor technology. Cost and regulation are barriers for SMEs to embrace new technologies. Knowledge transfer is unevenly distributed, leaving small-scale farmers behind while big players accelerate their digitisation. "Without inclusive solutions, the innovation gap will only widen," Van Hooff warned.

Yet the solutions are within reach. VIV Worldwide shows that collaboration between industry, policymakers and researchers leads to practical transformation. From blockchain solutions for traceability and consumer trust to carbon offsets in production processes and cross-border collaboration models in Asia, Africa and Europe, the sector is proving that sustainability is globally scalable when ecosystems connect. According to Van Hooff, the next decade will be driven by three pillars: the rise of artificial intelligence as a predictive tool, sustainability as a new standard and global collaboration within the chain.

"Innovation in livestock farming is no longer about producing more, but about producing smarter, safer and more sustainable," said Van Hooff. "The innovations are there, the demand is clear. What remains is to ensure access, affordability and adoption for all. That is the mission of VIV Worldwide: to be a connecting platform that drives change, scales up innovations and accelerates solutions worldwide."

More information about VIV Worldwide and upcoming events can be found at www.viv.net.