EU production of plant proteins does not meet demand

The European Union faces a major challenge in plant protein production. In the 2023-2024 campaign, the European arable crops sector has supplied 64 million tonnes of crude protein, but this volume still does not cover the bloc's needs. This has led to the import of 19 million tonnes of plant protein, underlining the EU's dependence on external markets, particularly for products such as soybeans and soybean meal. In its Versailles declaration, the European Council called for a boost to plant protein production in the EU. The European Commission has published a comprehensive overview of the plant protein market in the EU, from supply and demand to CAP interventions and national initiatives. It first highlights key aspects of protein supply and demand in the EU. As regards plant protein sources grown in the EU, fodder is the main source of EU-origin plant protein, and rapeseed is the main protein-rich crop grown in the EU. However, the EU is at the same time highly dependent on ...