We need to shift towards a plant-based protein diet and food system, etc
At its AGRIFISH Council meeting on 14 July 2025, EU agriculture ministers engaged in a much-needed discussion on the future of protein production in Europe, including how to support diversification and scale up more sustainable sources: plant-based proteins. This discussion, steered by the Danish Presidency, marks a welcome and timely signal that the EU is beginning to take the protein transition seriously.
In advance of the meeting, AAFT sent a letter to all agriculture ministers, urging them to champion a comprehensive EU strategy on plant-based proteins – one that matches the urgency of the climate, biodiversity, public health and food security challenges we face.
| Why plant-based? Because it’s a future-proof solution. According to the European Environment Agency, the EU food system is responsible for over 30% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions – animal production alone accounting for 81% of that share. Plant-based diets offer one of the most effective levers to reduce that footprint. Between 2020 and 2022, sales of plant-based food in Europe rose by 21%, as shown in GFI’s market research; citizens are increasingly ready to make the shift. The EAT-Lancet Commission recommends a massive increase in legumes and a dietary transition toward healthier, more sustainable patterns to stay within planetary boundaries. |
Supporting plant-based proteins is not only an environmental priority – it’s above all an economic and social opportunity. Boosting domestic production of legumes, pulses and alternative proteins strengthens EU food security, creates jobs in dynamic sectors and reduces dependence on imported animal feed from high-deforestation regions.
Countries like Denmark and the Netherlands have already launched national strategies with clear targets, public investment, and cross-sector innovation. Their leadership shows that progress is possible and politically viable.
But for a real shift to happen, we need coordinated EU action.
We are therefore calling on EU institutions and Member States to:
- Develop an EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Proteins
- Reform the CAP to reward sustainable protein crops and crop rotations
- Improve public procurement and dietary guidelines to include more plant-based options
- Ensure fair market access, better labelling, and affordable plant-based foods
The AGRIFISH discussion is an encouraging step. We now need clear commitments, concrete policy, and ambitious timelines to build a food system that works for animals, farmers, the planet and people alike.
Let’s turn these first moves into meaningful change.