More than 200 researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and other stakeholders gathered at Atelier des Tanneurs in Brussels on 25 June for “Protein Transition: GIANT LEAPS Ahead and VALPRO Paths to Follow”, the joint final conference of the Horizon Europe projects VALPRO Path and GIANT LEAPS.
The event marked the conclusion of two major EU-funded research initiatives working to accelerate Europe’s transition towards more sustainable protein systems. Bringing together science, innovation, industry and policy, the conference presented research results, practical solutions, business opportunities and policy recommendations addressing some of the key challenges facing Europe’s protein transition.
The conference opened with contributions from Paul Webb, Head of Department for “Green Europe” Research at the European Research Executive Agency (REA), Dr. Ewen Mullins, Coordinator of VALPRO Path, and Dr. Paul Vos, Coordinator of GIANT LEAPS. Their opening remarks set the tone for a day focused not only on research, but on how scientific results can be translated into real-world impact and future policy action.
Reflecting on the role of European research and collaboration, Paul Webb highlighted the importance of turning research into impact:
“What we really love is when we can add value or see the added value of our projects. It’s not just about doing the research. We’re doing the research for something. We want to add value. We want to create impact. We want to influence policy. And that’s why I really like the title of this conference: ‘Paths to Follow’, where science, innovation and policy come together to fast-track the protein transition.”
He also emphasised the importance of linking research, innovation and policy, particularly in a field where Europe’s future policy framework for sustainable proteins is still developing.
“We provide the tool, we provide the funding, we provide the mechanisms for you to be able to put together these consortia and these partnerships, but you’re the ones who turn it into something real. And I think we’re very appreciative of what you do.
For VALPRO Path Coordinator Dr Ewen Mullins, the conference represented an important example of what can be achieved when projects and disciplines work together:
“No one project has all the solutions. And I think what you’ll see today is a fabulous example of just that continuum of research between the two projects and the complementarity of both of them. I love science, I love the interchange and the exchange of ideas, and this conference is a great example of what can happen when projects come together.”
Dr Mullins also highlighted the project’s ambition to address the plant protein value chain as a whole, from agricultural production to processing and market uptake:
“The real thing, if it had to be summarized in one strapline, was the right crop in the right place for the right market. We know at the moment that is not happening. VALPRO Path has looked across that whole continuum, from innovative production systems and variety selection, through processing and extraction, to life-cycle assessment, cost-benefit assessment and business models. It’s one thing to say ‘this is what we found’; it’s a very different thing to say ‘this is what we found, and actually this is a business model that could be applied’.”
From research to practical solutions
Throughout the morning, speakers explored the barriers preventing wider adoption of alternative proteins in Europe, alongside technological and scientific solutions to overcome them.
Discussions covered European protein supply chains, food processing and fractionation, by-product utilisation, digestibility and health, sustainability assessment, and the development of transition pathways and policy recommendations. The programme also highlighted the importance of connecting primary production with processing, markets, consumers and policymakers in order to build more resilient and sustainable protein value chains.
For VALPRO Path, the conference provided an opportunity to showcase results developed across the entire plant protein value chain – from crop selection and agricultural production to processing, sustainability assessment, traceability and business models.
Dr Mullins presented the project’s approach to developing the “right crop in the right place for the right market”, highlighting work on crop varieties, agronomic practices, processing technologies, environmental assessment and economic viability. The project’s outputs demonstrate how innovation can help unlock greater value from European protein crops while supporting farmers, processors and food companies.
The afternoon continued with parallel sessions exploring advances in primary production and food processing, alongside research into safety, health, consumer perspectives, data sharing and education. The day concluded with a plenary discussion on future research and industry opportunities, bringing together representatives from research, industry and European innovation ecosystems.
Building momentum beyond the projects
A central message throughout the conference was that the protein transition will require continued collaboration beyond the lifetime of individual research projects.
GIANT LEAPS and VALPRO Path demonstrated the value of bringing together researchers, businesses, policymakers and other stakeholders across the protein value chain. The joint conference also reflected the growing collaboration between European projects working on alternative proteins, sustainable food systems and the wider objectives of strengthening Europe’s food resilience and competitiveness.
For VALPRO Path, the conclusion of the project marks not an end point, but a step towards putting the knowledge, tools and approaches developed during the project into wider use.
The conference also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas during networking and poster sessions, strengthening connections between research, industry and policy communities and creating opportunities for future collaboration.
Watch the conference recordings
Recordings from the conference are available online, giving those who could not attend the opportunity to explore the presentations and discussions and learn more about the research, innovation and policy perspectives shared in Brussels.
Conference recordings:
– GIANT LEAPS Ahead & VALPRO Paths to Follow: Opening Address
– Understanding the Barriers to Alternative Protein Adoption | Final Conference
– Technological Innovations to Overcome Adoption Barriers | Final Conference
– Assessing the Sustainability of Alternative Proteins in the Dietary Shift | Final Conference
– Pathways for Europe’s Protein Transition | Final Conference
The full event programme and additional information about the final conference are available on the VALPRO Path website.
About VALPRO Path
VALPRO Path is a Horizon Europe project working to strengthen sustainable plant protein value chains in Europe. The project brings together research, industry and other stakeholders to develop and demonstrate solutions spanning crop production, processing, sustainability, business models and market uptake. Its work focuses on crops including lentils, peas, chickpeas, lupin, faba beans and soybeans, supporting greater use of European-grown protein crops in food and feed systems.
Subscribe to get all the latest information,
news & other insights about VALPRO Path