Donau Soja has joined a coalition of over 80 organisations advocating for a diverse and sustainable protein strategy for Europe. The future of protein production and consumption in Europe is at the heart of critical debates within the EU. Discussions on sustainable food systems have often been polarised, with competing concerns over food security, farmer livelihoods, environmental impact, and dietary choices. However, there is an opportunity to bridge these divides by supporting a balanced, diverse, and sustainable approach to protein production.
Europe’s protein supply system faces significant challenges: Currently, 66% of the EU’s high-protein oilseed meals are imported, with 85% of soya coming from just two countries. This heavy reliance on imports threatens food security, limits economic opportunities for European farmers, and hinders progress toward climate and biodiversity goals.
To address these challenges in the European Commission’s vision for food and agriculture, a position paper was created outlining and advocating for a diverse and sustainable protein strategy for Europe. Together, the organisations behind the paper call for stronger EU policies to support farmers, strengthen local supply chains, and invest in sustainable protein production.
Eight key recommendations for a stronger European protein strategy
The position paper outlines eight key policy recommendations to support the transition to a resilient and diversified protein system:
- Facilitate access to finance for farmers to transition to sustainable practices
- Support farmers and workers to benefit from sustainable protein diversification
- Strengthen farmers’ position in the market
- Increase rural resilience and preserve vibrant landscapes
- Reduce zoonotic disease risks and antimicrobial resistance
- Elevate the agri-food sector’s innovation to retain EU’s global leadership
- Support the development of a strong, diversified protein value chain
- Improve the food environment to make the healthy and sustainable choices the easy ones
By implementing these measures, the EU can build a strong, competitive, and sustainable food system that benefits farmers, producers, consumers, and the environment.
Aligning with the Donau Soja Protein Strategy
For more than a decade, Donau Soja has been actively working towards a more resilient and sustainable protein system in Europe. The Donau Soja Protein Strategy for Europe outlines a clear path towards sustainable, non-GM, and regional soya production, while also improving environmental protection, rural development, and food security.
The strategy is closely aligne
d with the policy recommendations of the position paper, advocating for:
- Sustainable and responsible imports
- Less dependence on soya imports by boosting European production
- Improved use of existing and new protein resources
- Increased efficiency of protein use
- Healthier and more sustainable diets
By signing the position paper, we reaffirm our commitment to scaling up sustainable, European-grown proteins – creating real impact for farmers, businesses, and consumers.
For more details on the Donau Soja Protein Strategy please visit: https://www.donausoja.org/organisation/#proteinstrategy
Putting farmers at the heart of the transition
The shift towards sustainable protein diversification must put farmers and rural communities at the centre, ensuring they have the support they need to adopt new farming practices. The role of farmers must be strengthened, and they must receive fair prices for their goods.
Donau Soja president and forward-thinker Matthias Krön, is featured in the paper as an example of best practice. He highlights why farmers must be at the heart of this transformation:
“We are already seeing a decline in animal protein consumption. The key is to make meat and dairy more sustainable and valuable while creating new opportunities in plant-based proteins. Farmers need to be more involved in the value chain, including processing and other value-adding activities. This strengthens rural communities and ensures that the benefits of increased plantbased production are shared fairly.”
His insights underline the importance of developing European plant protein value chains that enable farmers to reap economic benefits and ensure a fair and just transition.
Read the full position paper at: https://lnkd.in/duxQRCmz
