EU agriculture ministers called on the European Commission to ensure that the ongoing EU Protein Strategy includes innovative and sustainable alternative protein sources such as insects and algae.

A recent meeting of EU agriculture ministers has brought insects into the spotlight as a viable and sustainable source of protein for animal feed. At the Council on Agriculture and Food held on 14 July, member states urged the European Commission to ensure the upcoming EU Protein Strategy encompasses a wide range of protein sources—not only plant-based but also animal-derived alternatives like insects and algae.

Calls for regulatory reform were central to the discussions. Dutch representatives stressed that insects could help upcycle food waste into high-quality feed, but warned that “regulatory incongruities—such as the absence of a dedicated category for insects—hamper innovation and market development.” Sweden and Finland echoed these concerns, advocating for support mechanisms and quicker authorization processes.

The International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF), which had earlier submitted an open letter to policymakers, expressed alignment with the direction taken by EU member states. Many countries also called for measurable targets, policy incentives, and CAP-based support to boost domestic protein production.

Commissioner Christophe Hansen confirmed that the strategy would reflect member states’ input and would be anchored in EU-level support mechanisms.