From 20 to 22 May 2026, the European pig sector will turn its attention to Poznań, Poland, where the European Pig Producers (EPP) Congress 2026 will gather farmers, industry leaders, researchers, and supply‑chain partners. The congress offers three days of technical insight, practical expertise, and strategic discussion about the future of pig farming in Europe.
This year’s theme reflects a remarkable shift: Poland’s rising position as a major force in EU pig production. Delegates will explore what is driving this transformation — from structural modernization and consolidated production models to changing market forces and evolving consumer expectations. With Poland emerging as a key growth region, the congress provides a timely platform to assess how these developments will shape both regional and European markets.
Market Outlook and Forward Strategies
The program opens with expert analysis of structural changes in Polish pig farming, followed by a forward‑looking review of the global and EU pig market outlook. Sessions such as “The future role of pork as a tasty, valuable and climate-efficient protein source” will challenge industry leaders to reflect on competitiveness, sustainability, and consumer perception.
Another highlight will be the discussion on profitability drivers — whether success is determined primarily by the farmer, the market, or external forces — offering valuable insights for producers navigating volatile cost structures and price fluctuations.
Health, Welfare, and Practical Know‑How
Animal health and welfare remain core pillars of farm performance. Thursday’s program focuses on suckling piglet rearing, gut health, and practical welfare strategies, equipping farmers with applied knowledge for improving resilience and productivity across herds. These technical sessions speak directly to producers’ day‑to‑day challenges: optimizing nutrition, safeguarding herd health, and adapting systems for efficiency and economic stability.
Networking Across Europe’s Pig Value Chain
Beyond its technical agenda, the EPP Congress continues to be an essential networking hub. The event has long served as a technical, economic, and social forum where European pig producers exchange experience and build partnerships that shape industry standards. Attendance typically brings together around 200 delegates, including producers, advisers, veterinarians, integrators, and agribusiness partners from across Europe.
Why Poznań Matters in 2026
Holding the congress in Poznań is both symbolic and strategic. Poland is not only one of Europe’s most dynamic agricultural regions but is also undergoing significant modernization in pig production, driven by innovation, new investment, and structural reorganization. Participants will gain firsthand insights into this transformation — and what it means for the broader European market, which is facing its own shifts in supply, demand, regulation, and consumer preferences.
As the sector faces pressures ranging from animal disease risks to environmental regulation, and from trade dynamics to shifting market premiums, the EPP Congress 2026 arrives at a critical moment. It offers producers clarity, community, and strategies to remain competitive, sustainable, and resilient.
More than a meeting, it is an opportunity to shape the future of Europe’s pig sector together — collaboratively, practically, and with confidence. More information under www.pigproducer.net.
Sven Häuser
European Pig Producers (EPP) e.V.
EPP-Manager
