Accelerating the protein transition could strengthen food security in Europe without dependence on imports of protein-rich food products.
An important pillar in the German-Danish plea is increasing the cultivation of plant-based proteins, including soybeans, peas, and lentils, which Germany expects to see a significant expansion in acreage by 2030. Especially in the alternative and sustainable food market, there has been rising demand in recent years for plant-based food and nutrition products.
The initiative received broad support from various EU countries at the monthly EU Agriculture Council meeting in Brussels, including the Netherlands, where Minister Femke Wiersma (BBB) strongly advocated for including fish as a protein source. Ireland and Luxembourg, in turn, called for financial support to make the cultivation of protein-rich crops more profitable. Poland advocated for expanding soybean production as a valuable protein carrier.
Although the proposal was predominantly well received, it also led to controversy, especially regarding the role of lab-grown meat and other innovative protein sources. Hungary and Italy expressed, along with several other countries including France and Spain, concerns about the impact of cultured meat on traditional agriculture and food culture. They demanded that cultured meat be subject to the same strict EU regulations as medicines.
The proposal from Germany and Denmark highlights the need for more domestic production of high-quality, climate-friendly proteins for both food and animal feed. "We face the challenge of reducing the climate impact of our food production," said Özdemir. The plan includes measures such as more research and innovation, diversification of protein sources, and better cooperation within value chains.