Livestock production is a cornerstone of the European agri-food system, contributing substantially to food security, rural livelihoods, and economic activity, while simultaneously facing increasing economic, environmental, and social pressures. As European agricultural policy evolves, there is a growing need for robust indicators capable of monitoring the economic sustainability of European livestock production systems (ELPS) and assessing policy outcomes. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR), mapping and evaluating farm-level economic indicators used to assess ELPS, with a specific focus on their alignment with current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) economic objectives. Following PRISMA guidelines, the literature between 2015 and 2025 was reviewed, and a total of 626 indicators were identified, which were subsequently classified into four economic objectives aligned with CAP specific objectives. Results reveal a strong dominance of profitability indicators, particularly income- and cost-based measures, while indicators addressing durability, autonomy, and diversification remain comparatively scarce. Significant but weak associations were found between indicator use and livestock sector and region. Overall, the literature aligns well with CAP objectives related to farm income and competitiveness but insufficiently addresses objectives linked to fairness, risk management, and diversification. The findings underscore the need for a more balanced and harmonised indicator framework, greater methodological transparency, and expanded use of indicators beyond profitability. The ongoing transition from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) to the Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) offers a key opportunity to address these gaps and strengthen policy monitoring.
Ponti et al. (Mon,) studied this question.