Argentina is a significant poultry producer in Latin America, with an estimated production of 2.4 million metric tons of chicken meat in 2024. Although the country plays a minor role in global poultry exports compared to countries like Brazil and Thailand, it remains an important supplier to international markets. In 2024, Argentina exported poultry worth approximately $1.62 million to the EU and the United Kingdom.
Thus, the country's poultry industry continues to supply niche markets and regional trade partners. As the demand for higher welfare poultry production grows worldwide, Argentina has the potential to strengthen its position by aligning with evolving welfare standards and market expectations.
The recently concluded EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement introduces a tariff-free quota of 180,000 metric tons of poultry meat per year for Mercosur countries, representing an opportunity for Argentina to increase its exports to the EU.
Therefore, ensuring the ability to supply higher welfare chicken as market demand increases could position Argentina as a reliable and competitive supplier, helping local producers secure long-term access to this high-value market.
Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) published its latest European ChickenTrack report, which tracks companies' progress towards meeting the higher welfare requirements of the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC).
The ChickenTrack study reports on the compliance with scientific criteria that underpin the BCC and, when fully met, will significantly improve the lives of millions of broiler chickens.
As consumer and European regulatory expectations shift towards higher welfare poultry production, voluntary alignment with these evolving standards represents an opportunity for Argentine producers to improve their competitiveness.
ChickenTrack EU monitors publicly communicated transition efforts, highlighting how companies are advancing in the production of higher welfare broiler chickens. Companies are selected based on their geographic relevance, size, and impact on the chicken production chain, providing an overview of the industry's movement towards improving welfare standards in poultry supply chains.
ChickenTrack EU 2024 evaluates 93 food companies across Europe that have committed to transitioning to chicken production with higher welfare standards. It tracks the progress companies publicly report in meeting BCC criteria, including:
Using slower-growing and healthier chicken breeds
Providing them with more space to live
Providing enrichment, such as natural light, perches, and substrates for pecking, like grains and straw for occupation
Adopting more humane slaughter practices
Complying with animal welfare audits conducted by third parties and publishing annual public reports.
Beyond its role as a poultry exporter, Argentina is also witnessing growing awareness of animal welfare among consumers and industry stakeholders.
Many of the 93 companies included in ChickenTrack EU operate globally, but their higher welfare commitments do not always extend to their entire supply chain. However, research indicates that animal welfare is gaining relevance in the region, highlighting an opportunity for companies to align their commitments with evolving expectations in the Argentine market.
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