Plant-Based Foods Europe welcomes the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food

We look forward to initiating a dialogue with the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council on a vision toward 2040 that reflects the market and consumer realities in which our members operate and contributes to Europe’s competitiveness. 

The Communication on a Vision for Agriculture and Food acknowledges the need to diversify supply chains to significantly reduce the EU’s reliance on protein imports. It commits to a “comprehensive plan” that addresses this issue, taking into account how protein is both produced and consumed within the EU. To recall, the European Commission last made specific policy recommendations on plant proteins in 2018.1   

There is a clear consensus2 among the European Parliament, a majority of EU Member States, and stakeholders from agriculture, food, environmental and consumer protection fields that increasing the EU production of plant-based crops for both feed and food is crucial for improving the EU’s resilience. Advancing innovation in the food sector is also key, as it is recognised as a key driver in transforming food production and meeting evolving consumer demands. 

As part of this reflection, and in line with a key recommendation of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture3, we underline the need for an EU Action Plan for Plant-based Foods to strengthen the plant-based agri-food chains from farmers to consumers. Such an action plan, supported by concrete regulatory and financial measures, can provide the framework to bring farmers at the heart of food valorisation.  

Encouraging farmers to grow crops for human consumption is vital not only for ensuring food security but also to strengthen the EU’s ability to meet its own food needs. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform offers another unique opportunity to direct subsidies and resources towards sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both the environment and the economy.  

At both the EU and national levels, what is key is offering choice to both farmers and consumers, ensuring access to diverse and sustainable options. As highlighted in the European Commission’s Joint Centre report, “Closing the EU protein gap”,4 a mix of complementary approaches is needed to support the transition towards a sustainable and resilient agri-food system – including looking at diets. Gradually incorporating a variety of plant-based foods is essential to a balanced diet that supports overall wellbeing.

1 European Commission, 2018, Reducing the plant protein deficit of the European Union.
2 In March 2022, EU leaders identified ‘increasing the EU production of plant-based proteins’ to improve the EU’s food security and reduce food prices (European Council, 2022, Versailles Declaration; European Parliament, 2023, Report on a European protein strategy.
3 European Commission, 2024, A shared prospect for farming and food in Europe. The final report of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture.
4 European Commission (Joint Research Centre), 2024, Closing the EU protein gap – drivers, synergies and trade-offs