European Union’s Path to Sustainability Includes Plant-Based Foods

Advocates rejoice!

A groundbreaking report presented to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urges the European Union to develop an “EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods” by 2026. Plant-based food advocates hail this recommendation as a significant stride toward a more sustainable and health-conscious food system across Europe.

The report, titled “Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture,” is the culmination of seven months of negotiations among 30 diverse organizations—including environmental NGOs, consumer groups, farmers’ unions, and industry stakeholders. Initiated in response to escalating farmer protests and dire climate warnings, the forum sought to build a consensus on the future direction of Europe’s agri-food sector.

A Seismic Shift for the Plant-Based Sector

Central to the report is the call for an action plan that strengthens the plant-based food sector from production to consumption. It emphasizes the urgent need to reduce reliance on animal-based proteins in favor of plant-based alternatives. Advocates argue that this shift is essential for addressing environmental issues like greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity, as well as for enhancing public health.

Jasmijn de Boo, Global CEO of ProVeg International, described the recommendation as a “seismic shift” for the industry. “The EU is listening to the science and is aware of the significant impact of climate change,” she stated. “An EU-wide Action Plan for plant-based foods would accelerate the production and consumption of more plant-based food, aligning with the growing trend of reducing meat consumption.”

Lucia Hortelano, Senior EU Policy Manager at ProVeg, added, “Denmark has already shown the way with its Plant-Based Action Plan, so it is very exciting that this is being considered at the EU level as well.”

Addressing Environmental Challenges

The agricultural sector is identified in the report as the most significant contributor to nature loss within the EU, accounting for over 10% of the region’s total greenhouse gas emissions—primarily from livestock. To combat these challenges, the report proposes an EU-wide benchmark for farm sustainability and suggests enacting laws to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems.

Key recommendations include:

• Revising Food Labeling and Marketing Regulations: To make plant-based options more accessible and appealing to consumers.
• Educational Campaigns: Targeting children to raise awareness about healthier and more sustainable food choices.
• Tax Incentives and Social Policies: Implementing measures to make sustainable options the default choice for consumers.
• Customized Emission Reduction Goals: Tailoring targets for different types of agriculture to ensure a just transition.

Reforming Farm Subsidies

The report advocates for a reform of the EU’s substantial farm subsidy budget, exceeding €300 billion. It suggests reallocating funds to support small and medium-sized farmers rather than the largest agricultural enterprises. Proposed changes include an income-based support system devoid of additional environmental compliance requirements and a separate ecological payment scheme.

Next Steps Toward Implementation

While the recommendations are not yet finalized, President von der Leyen has pledged to incorporate them into a Vision for Agriculture and Food within her first 100 days. The forum also recommends establishing a new consultative body, the European Board for Agri-Food (EBAF), to maintain ongoing dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.

Jeroom Remmers, Director of the TAPP Coalition, remarked, “Today marks a pivotal moment for the future of EU food and farming. This report shows that there is broad consensus on the urgent need to transform how we produce and consume food to respect planetary boundaries.”

A Hopeful Outlook

Plant-based food advocates view the report as a monumental opportunity to drive meaningful change in the EU’s food systems. By embracing the recommendations, the EU could position itself as a global leader in sustainable agriculture and consumption, ultimately benefiting the planet and future generations.