A SWEEPING CHANGE FROM PROTEIN DEFICIT TOWARDS PROTEIN INDEPENDENCE OF EU
As the European Union heavily depends on imported plant protein for food and livestock feed, the VALPRO Path project recognizes the urgency to build a self-sustainable Europe. With a focus on harnessing plant protein production, this transformative initiative aims to facilitate a seamless transition from traditional practices to innovative approaches.
Plant proteins, with their incredible versatility, nutritional richness, and environmental benefits, hold the power to revolutionize both our food and feed systems. However, the European Union’s heavy reliance on plant protein imports hampers the potential for local farmers to fully capitalize on the value of their crops. The absence of premium supply chains means missed opportunities to unlock the true worth of these protein sources. Furthermore, the existing business models and strategies fail to embrace crucial aspects like nutrient capture, climate resilience, and circularity, hindering progress towards a sustainable and thriving future.
VALPRO Path: MAKING A PLANT PROTEIN BOOM
In order to create value for all food-chain actors and enhance plant protein production in Europe, VALPRO Path will launch five large-scale pilots (Innovative Production Systems) in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Denmark. Covering 5 pedo-climatic areas and protein crops with the highest value potential like pea, lupin, chickpea, faba bean and lentils, VALPRO Path will ensure sustainable growth of protein crops through variety selection of nutritionally best plant- protein sources and their combinations.
In order for new developed solutions and practices to fit the needs of the European plant protein market, we will create business models for each specific pilot providing them with key insights regarding the market analysis, competitor analysis and target users.
VALPRO PATH IN A NUTSHeLL
Project Coordination:
Dr. Ewen Mullins
Head of Crop Science Department at Teagasc and VALPRO Path Project Coordinator
Oak Park, Carlow R93 XE12, Ireland
ewen.mullins@teagasc.ie
Project Communication:
Prof dr Mladen Radisic
CEO Foodscale Hub
LEONTOS SOFOU 20, THERMI
THESSALONIKIS, 57001, Greece
mladen@foodscalehub.com
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101059824.