Transformation of a livestock intensive region

The economy and employment in the region in northwest Germany with the highest density of pigs have grown strongly between 2007 and 2019. However, this happens at the  expense of ecological and economic resources. • If livestock farming were severely restricted, the potential for employment growth would be reduced but still high in most districts in the region. • Where livestock farming has dominated so far, there could even be compensatory growth in other industries if the economic situation remains positive. • For this to happen, stakeholders need to move away from a strong focus on stabilising the livestock and meat value chain in favour of transformative strategies