Introducing the Plant-Based Manifesto 2024 from the European Vegetarian Union

The 2024 European elections present an opportunity for elected representatives to shape the future of food, agriculture, and health policies across the EU. The Plant-Based Manifesto, published by the European Vegetarian Union (EVU), sets forth a compelling argument for the need to prioritise plant-based diets in European policy-making. This comprehensive document outlines key actions to transform the European food system, focusing on the critical role plant-based solutions can play in meeting climate goals, improving public health, and ensuring food resilience.

Plant-Based Manifesto: The Urgent Need for Change

At the heart of the Plant-Based Manifesto is a simple yet deep message: Europe’s current food policies are failing both the environment and public health. Overconsumption of meat and animal products, spurred by outdated agricultural policies, is contributing to environmental degradation, the climate crisis, and rising public health costs. With greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock industry at unsustainable levels, a shift to plant-based diets is more crucial than ever.

The plant-based manifesto argues that aligning EU policies with the 2030 targets of the European Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires significant reforms. To create a sustainable food system, policymakers must take bold steps to reduce reliance on animal-based products and increase the share of plant-based foods in European diets.

The Vision for 2030 and Beyond

The manifesto outlines clear, actionable targets:

1. Increase Plant Protein Consumption: By 2030, the EVU advocates for plant-based protein to make up 60% of the European diet, rising to 70% by 2040 and 80% by 2050. This gradual increase would help transition Europe toward a more sustainable and resilient food system, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Make Sustainable Food Accessible and Affordable: One of the major barriers to plant-based diets is the cost and accessibility of these foods. The manifesto proposes reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), transforming it into a policy focused on the One-Health approach. This holistic concept emphasises sustainable production practices that promote both environmental and human health.

Moreover, the plant-based manifesto suggests lowering or eliminating VAT on whole plant-based foods, ensuring affordability for consumers across all member states. This is a critical step to make plant-based foods the go-to option for Europeans, reducing the consumption of unhealthy, carbon-intensive foods.

3. Carbon Pricing in Agriculture: A key policy recommendation is the development of a carbon pricing mechanism for agriculture, especially targeting the livestock industry. By holding meat producers accountable for their environmental impact, the EU can incentivise the shift towards more sustainable practices. Redirecting investment and research funding towards scaling up sustainable plant-based products is another aspect of this transition.

A Just Transition for Farmers

The manifesto highlights the importance of a fair and just transition for farmers, many of whom rely on livestock farming for their livelihoods. Transitioning to plant-based agriculture cannot come at the expense of these communities. The EVU calls for the establishment of a Just Transition Mechanism, which would provide financial and technical support to farmers who are willing to shift towards sustainable farming practices.

Looking Ahead: Empowering EU Policy for a Plant-Based Future

The Plant-Based Manifesto is not just a call to action for the 2024 elections; it is a comprehensive roadmap for transforming the EU’s food system over the next three decades. The shift towards plant-based diets represents a solution to many of the pressing challenges facing Europe today—climate change, public health crises, and food insecurity.

As the manifesto states, “Sound policy must be based on sound evidence.” With the scientific consensus overwhelmingly supporting plant-based diets as a key to sustainability, it is now up to policymakers to ensure that Europe leads the way in creating a healthier, more resilient future for all.

Connecting Innovation with Values: VALPRO Path’s Role

VALPRO Path is uniquely positioned to turn the manifesto’s vision into reality by providing innovative, plant-based alternatives that meet consumer expectations in terms of taste, texture, and nutrition. The project’s focus on research and development in plant-based proteins responds to the need for more sustainable food production practices highlighted in the Manifesto.

VALPROPath recognises that the transition to a plant-based food system will require not just technological innovation, but also a shift in consumer habits and industry practices. This is why the project emphasises a multi-stakeholder approach, bringing together researchers, food producers, policymakers, and consumers to create a food system that is both sustainable and accessible.

VALPROPath is committed to ensuring that plant-based food innovations contribute to the European Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork Strategy by providing environmentally sustainable food products that reduce resource consumption and improve food security across the continent.

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