Those responsible for livestock markets were aware of the economic role of livestock markets and they wanted to integrate it in a larger context than the national one, viz. at EU level. So, acting upon their French and Dutch colleagues’ initiative, they decided to create a European standing consultation and action structure.

Thus, the European Association of Livestock Markets (AEMB), representing about 350 markets, was set up on 14th June 1983.

The AEMB has seen its membership rise rapidly. In 2016, it includes 11 national federations representing 359 livestock markets. These markets are responsible for the sale (whether by auction or private treaty) of more than 22 million head of cattle, sheep, pigs and horses.

The AEMB focuses its efforts on the following tasks:

• defending and promoting the role of the livestock markets at international and EU authorities level;
• asserting the economic strength of the livestock markets and their role in the organization of the livestock and meat markets, and more especially in the formulation of prices. Their economic weight is undeniable since all over the 350 markets some 19 million animals are traded yearly.
• promoting the improvement and modernization of the market buildings and equipment. Nowadays a large number of livestock markets have equipment adapted to the consumers’ needs and wishes. But in order to maintain their efficiency, to improve the consumers’ comfort, to follow the technological development, e.g. as to data processing, the livestock markets must invest money. These investments can fall in the framework of national programmes benefiting from a financial aid by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
• developing a European consultation and information network.

In fact the AEMB is only one of the evidence proving the vitality of the livestock markets, which are getting more and more important as working tools for the professionals of the livestock and meat sector and more esp. for the breeders.

The AEMB only confirms that the livestock markets are an economic reality, which must be taken into consideration not only today but also tomorrow.