European feed and oilseed associations called on the European Commission to take a leading role in promoting the domestic production and use of European plant sourced protein.

The Stakeholders of European agri-industries – COPA (European farmers) & COGECA (European Agri-Cooperatives), FEFAC (European Feed Manufacturers' Federation) and EUROSEEDS – in view of the recent EU Council declaration in Versailles in which the Heads of State or Government listed the intention to improve food security by reducing EU dependencies on key imported agricultural products and inputs, in particular by increasing the EU production of plant-based proteins and the upcoming Commission´s communication on affordable food and fair farm income, called on the European Commission to take a leading role in promoting the domestic cultivation and use of European plant sourced protein.

“There is no simple and easy solution to overcome the EU deficit in high protein sources. Despite the advances in plant breeding, cultivation and processing technology, Europe is not likely to reach self-sufficiency entirely in the short or midterm (in particular if there is no access to best in class breeding technics, crop protection products and fertilizers),” the joint declaration went on.

“In order to achieve a sustainable EU protein plan and offer European farmers new ways to adapt supply to changing demand, the European plant protein sector needs to be competitive, of high quality and resilient to the numerous economic, environmental, climatic and technological challenges. To achieve these goals, we need consistent European and Member State policies.”

“Therefore, we call for a set of measures with the aim of increasing the domestic protein production to reduce dependency on imports, increase diversity in crop use and lower carbon footprint:

• to provide a consistent EU framework enabling European protein value chains’ competitiveness,
• to provide meaningful and long-term incentive to stakeholders,
• to develop a balance sheet to track productions and consumptions of food plant protein, and to support the development of national feed protein balance sheets,
• to develop innovation-friendly framework for competitive research and development,
• to support educational communication to consumers on the EU sustainable agricultural production practices and benefits of diversified and a balanced diet that include plant protein-based food.”