The EU plans to reduce dependence on Ukrainian protein in animal feed

Published 2024년 6월 1일

Tridge summary

A study commissioned by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture has revealed that the animal feed sector, particularly pigs and poultry, is reliant on imported protein, with only 29% coming from the EU. The majority of these imports are from America for the conventional sector and Africa or Asia for the organic sector. The lack of competitiveness of protein crops grown in Europe is cited as the main reason for this dependence. The study suggests that subsidies and crop insurance could be used to boost domestic production, and calls for transport infrastructure improvements to reduce transport costs. It also recommends diversifying protein sources and considering alternative proteins like those from insects and algae. The European Commission acknowledges that achieving 'zero imports of protein-rich foods' will be a long-term goal and stresses the need for a balanced approach at the EU, national, and regional levels.

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Original content

Euractiv writes about it. According to a study commissioned by the EC's Directorate-General for Agriculture, animal feed, in particular pigs and poultry, is the sector most dependent on protein imports from third countries. Only 29% come from the EU, the study says. Thus, 23% of cake and 3% of soybean cake is produced in Europe, the rest is mainly imported from America for the conventional sector, and from Africa or Asia for the organic sector. The lack of competitiveness of protein crops grown in Europe (soybean, sunflower, rapeseed and legumes) was named by the researchers as the main obstacle to reducing dependence on third countries for both imported soybeans and grain crops. At the same time, experts believe that subsidies, which were once the main form of support for agricultural producers, have been marginalized in the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) because they can cause overproduction. Assistance under the CAP currently covers 1 million hectares and can be expanded to ...

Source: AgroPortal.ua