Can Alternative Proteins Create New Jobs in Europe?

As Europe is working towards building a more sustainable and self-sufficient food system, alternative proteins, precisely plant-based proteins, are making their name as a promising solution. Not only can they reduce EU dependence on imported protein, but they also have the potential to transform the EU job market. So, how will this happen? Let’s explore this question through the lens of the VALPRO Path project.

The Case for Alternative Proteins in Europe’s Job Market

The global alternative protein sector is growing fast, and across Europe, it could create a wide range of job opportunities, from farming to food science, processing, and many more sectors that we are yet to realise. Supporting alternative proteins can help Europe rely more on its resources, improve food security, and create new local jobs.

Plant-based proteins bring unique advantages, they’re versatile, nutrient-rich, and far gentler on the environment than traditional sources like meat. With global meat demand projected to rise by 50% by 2050, according to the Good Food Institute, alternative proteins offer a practical way to lower environmental impact, feed a growing population, and protect biodiversity, not just in Europe, but worldwide. As demand for alternative proteins increases, Europe has a unique chance to take alternative proteins and turn their ever-growing momentum into job opportunities and help farmers diversify their crops.

Creating Jobs in the Alternative Protein Sector: Key Areas for Growth

In many different fields and industries in Europe, the alternative protein sector is creating sustainable jobs. These range from agriculture and farming to research, product development, and food processing. According to the Talista blog, the shift toward alternative proteins could generate over 120 million jobs in sustainability and the environment worldwide by 2050. How and what are these jobs that the plant protein boom will affect?

1. Agriculture and Farming: As demand for plant proteins grows, farmers will have new opportunities to diversify their crops. By adding protein-rich crops to their fields and plans, farmers can improve soil health and adapt to climate change. VALPRO Path’s projects across Europe show that diverse protein crops can thrive, showing that more domestic protein production is possible.

2. Research and Food Technology: With the expansion of the market, there will be more demand for new, nutritious, and tasty products. VALPRO Path is developing products like plant-based burgers, pasta, and baked goods, which highlights the need for food scientists, product developers, and nutrition experts to create products that suit European tastes.

3. Processing and Manufacturing: Building the infrastructure to process plant proteins is no easy task, especially with a history of good practices in traditional protein, but as the world changes the practices follow to unlock a whole new sustainable way of farming and eating. Processing plants will bring thousands of new jobs in areas like extracting proteins, refining ingredients, and producing goods. These jobs need skills in bioengineering, machinery operation, and quality control, fields that aren’t as common in agriculture today but are crucial for its future growth.

4. Marketing and Business: As more consumers look for sustainable, plant-based options, companies will need skilled marketing professionals to promote these products. New businesses focused on alternative proteins will benefit from experts who can craft compelling stories about the benefits of local growth, health, and sustainability.

The information is taken from Insight Ace Analytic.

Challenges and How VALPRO Path Is Addressing Them

“Private investor and government backing have sparked a jobs and revenue boom in Europe’s alternative protein market, leading to a need for specialist recruitment services,” said Food Navigator. However, realising the full possibilities of the alternative protein sector requires changes to supply chains, innovation in product development, and the creation of high-quality products that appeal to European consumers, challenges that VALPRO Path is actively addressing.

Local farmers and businesses are finding it difficult to switch to plant-based proteins. They depend on imported proteins, face poorly developed supply chains, and don’t have the infrastructure needed to support local plant protein production. VALPRO Path is here to help by supporting every step of the process, from the farm to the table. This will help create the resources and stability needed to build new jobs and grow the local plant protein industry.

A major challenge is that the alternative protein sector requires specific skills that aren’t typically found in traditional farming or food production. To tackle this, VALPRO Path is promoting circular business models that focus on long-term sustainability and create new job opportunities in areas like recycling nutrients, cutting down on waste, and finding ways to repurpose byproducts.

Economic and Environmental Benefits of Plant Protein Jobs

The shift to plant-based proteins lines up with Europe’s Green Deal and environmental goals. Producing plant proteins requires fewer resources than animal proteins, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced water usage, and less land needed overall. By investing in and expanding the plant protein industry, Europe has an opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint and build a more sustainable food system.

Growing the alternative protein market can also strengthen rural economies, offering quality jobs in regions facing population decline. This creates a win-win scenario: fostering economic growth while also supporting Europe’s transition to greener practices. This growth offers an opportunity to renew rural communities and balance the economic landscape across many different European countries.

VALPRO Path: A Model for Europe’s Protein Future

VALPRO Path is more than just a project to boost plant protein production, it’s a model for building self-sufficiency and sustainability in Europe’s plant protein sector. Through work that ranges from selecting nutrient-rich crops to implementing circular business practices, VALPRO Path is laying the way for a future where Europe can lead in sustainable protein production, with a strategic approach to plant protein production and a focus on innovation.

For more on these topics, visit the VALPRO Path NEWSROOM and to stay updated on the exciting evolution of plant-based food follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.