European agriculture ministers discussed protein strategy

The ministers gathered in the province of Limburg in an informal setting for a plenary meeting. Especially in the context of uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the European Union wants to act more independently in strategic policy areas. Food can be considered one of these strategic interests, with proteins as a crucial part of it. This informal meeting added knowledge and input to the future European, national and regional food and protein strategies.

The preliminary conclusions of the meeting are:

• Ensuring strategic autonomy in the production of proteins is essential and measures will need to be taken to increase the EU's independence in this sector.
• It will be necessary to diversify the sources of the proteins, to promote production in Europe and to derive more value from the by-products.
• The challenges will need to be met in a cross-cutting and cross-sectoral way, from the producers to the consumers.
• Whether engaged in the production of vegetable or animal protein, it will also be crucial to ensure that the protein-producing sectors in Europe are able to benefit from commercially viable outlets for their products.
• Research and innovation will also play a key role in the development of the sector.
• Coupled aid will form an incentive that will help develop the cultivation of vegetable proteins in relation to the cultivation of cereals.