EVU CAP POSITION POST-2027

Given its substantial financial impact, historically representing one third of the EU’s total budget, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has a major influence on the EU’s food system, environment, people’s health, farmers’ income, European competitiveness and security.

European diets are misaligned with nutritional guidelines. A key issue with our diets is the  underconsumption of plant proteins, namely pulses. These dietary imbalances not only have high environmental costs but also high health and economic costs. Current dietary imbalances are also a root cause of food insecurity in the EU.

The CAP, as the main food production policy, can address these issues by making both the production and consumption of plant-based foods more accessible. Thus, increased support for European plant-based foods, with a focus on organic and agroecological practices, is urgently needed

With this position, the EVU outlines how current CAP mechanisms could be potentiated to further support the production and consumption of plant-based foods. Our main objective is to provide a simplified framework that can deliver on the goals of protein diversification and supporting plant-based foods whilst taking into account social, environmental and economic sustainability.

Supporting Plant-based Foods with the Common Agricultural Policy