The way we eat and produce our food has a major impact on animals, people and our planet. A shift toward plant-based diets is essential to reduce animal suffering, fight climate change and create healthier, more resilient food systems.
Animal agriculture is one of the most damaging sectors for the environment and public health in the European Union (EU). Agriculture contributes roughly 11% of total European emissions, with animal production alone accounting for 81% of that share, driven in particular by methane from animals but not only. Intensive farming pollutes soil and water, contributes to biodiversity loss and relies heavily on imported feed linked to deforestation abroad. At the same time, high consumption of animal products increases risks of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Without a clear shift away from industrial animal farming, the EU cannot meet either its climate, biodiversity, or public health goals.
We work to ensure that this shift does happen, to make sure that EU food policies support a just and urgent transition away from animal-intensive models towards plant-based, sustainable and more ethical food systems. From agricultural funding to trade policy, from public procurement to consumer information, the EU has a powerful role to play globally in reshaping how food is produced, distributed, and consumed.