“EFFAB and FABRE TP Annual Meeting Showcases RUMIGEN Project and Future Research Priorities On Wednesday, May 31st, the FABRE TP (Farm Animal Breeding and Reproduction Technology Platform) held its Annual Meeting, bringing together members of the FABRE TP and EFFAB (European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders) to discuss the latest developments in animal genetics and reproduction. During the meeting, the RUMIGEN project was also presented to the representatives of the breeding sector. Recognising the need for breeding scenarios that align with stakeholder and citizen acceptance, RUMIGEN seeks to address the trade-offs associated with current genomic selection practices. Genomic selection, while delivering short-term genetic improvement, has led to a decline in long-term genetic diversity utilisation and limited consideration of environmental impacts on animal genetic potential. The participants also engaged in a workshop to define the research and innovation needs in animal genetics and reproduction. Esteemed guest speaker Nikos Zampoukas from DG RTD, European Commission, shed light on the Horizon EU 2025-27 and the next EU Research Framework, outlining the strategic direction for future endeavours. The FABRE TP Research Agenda 2025-2030 was also presented, highlighting the focus areas and key objectives for advancing animal genetics and reproduction research. Furthermore, the EuroFAANG project took the stage, showcasing the benefits of research infrastructure for research institutions and breeding companies. The day concluded with a dynamic World Café session, allowing participants to engage in lively discussions and exchange ideas on pertinent topics. The insights gathered from this interactive session will contribute to shaping the future direction of animal genetics and reproduction research. In the closing remarks, the conclusions drawn from the day’s discussions were highlighted, emphasising the collective commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in the field. The FABRE TP Annual Meeting proved to be an essential platform for fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and charting a course for future animal genetics and reproduction advancements. The event successfully showcased the remarkable progress of the RUMIGEN project and established a strong foundation for future collaborations within the scientific community and industry stakeholders.”
