Brussels, 10 July 2025
Member States to discuss EU-Level support for Protein Diversification and Plant-Based Foods
At the AGRIFISH Council meeting on Monday, 14 July, EU agriculture ministers will hold an exchange of views on how to support the growing role of plant-based foods and protein diversification in Europe’s food system. The discussion on protein for food and feed, initiated by the Danish EU Presidency, builds on various national initiatives on protein diversification and aims to explore possible next steps at EU level.
The Presidency is inviting Member States to share their perspectives and consider how EU coordination and funding could support producers, improve resilience and security, facilitate healthier diets and contribute to Europe’s climate and economic objectives.
“Protein diversification and the development of plant-based food chains offer real opportunities for farmers, food producers and rural areas. As consumer demand for plant-based foods grows, appropriate EU-level support is needed to help scale production, improve infrastructure, and ensure all regions can benefit” states Christine Leidner, Policy Manager at the EVU.
More than 70 civil society organisations recently published a joint Blueprint for an EU Action Plan on Plant-Based Foods, outlining concrete proposals for investment, public procurement, and reform of agricultural support to enable farmers to seize new opportunities in the plant-based sector. It is no secret that the Blueprint for an EU action plan is inspired by Denmark’s successful experience with its landmark Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods, launched in 2023 and elaborated in collaboration with farmers’ organisations.
Several other countries are also taking steps in this direction. Belgium’s new dietary guidelines call for a higher intake of plant protein. Spain has strengthened its commitment to plant-based meals in public catering and France supports protein crops through its CAP strategic plan. Both the Netherlands and the Belgian region of Flanders have proposed their own protein strategies and Portugal promised to deliver a National Action Plan for Plant Protein.
Despite growing consumer demand and national-level progress, the EU currently lacks a coherent approach to support protein diversification in general and the development of plant-based food value chains across Europe specifically.
The upcoming reform of the Common Agricultural Policy should lead to more support for farmers diversifying their production, notably with crops for direct human consumption.
“Monday’s discussion offers a key opportunity for agriculture ministers to show support for EU-level action and ensure that the next CAP reform includes strong backing for protein diversification and plant-based agricultural products made in Europe”, concludes Leidner.
The European Vegetarian Union (EVU) is the umbrella association of 48 civil society organisations in 29 countries. The EVU represents the voice of the growing number of European consumers shifting towards a more plant-based diet. As such, we advocate for a favourable food environment that makes it easier to choose as well as produce more plant-based foods. www.euroveg.eu
