The European Compound Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC) which represents 23 national Associations in 23 EU Member States as well as Associations in Switzerland, Turkey, Serbia, Russia and Norway with observer/associate member status FEFAC raises attention to the “protein quality” dimension of the different protein sources and their use in animal nutrition.  

The European compound feed industry, represented by FEFAC, holds the largest market potential for vegetable protein grown in the EU. In a detailed position paper, made public in the margins of the DG AGRI stakeholder survey on the European Protein Plan, FEFAC raises attention to the “protein quality” dimension of the different protein sources and their use in animal nutrition. FEFAC stresses that different protein sources are needed for different animal nutrition requirements. FEFAC President Nick Major: “We notice the strong political interest to reduce the EU protein deficit and the inherent reliance on imports. It should be clear, however, that market demand from the feed industry for European vegetable protein is based on the nutritional requirements of livestock, i.e. identifying the optimal protein quality in available feed materials and delivering them to food-producing animals. We, therefore, need to ensure that the quality and nutritional composition of the protein is fully taken into account.” “If the EU is serious about reducing the protein deficit, we need to get to a stage where improving protein quality through plant breeding is seen as a key long-term strategic driver for market investments. EU policy development will need to reflect the ambition of wanting to reap the benefits of the most advanced plant breeding technologies so they can be brought to farm level,” he added.