Policy Briefs

Executive summary

The need to transform the global food system in response to climate change, biodiversity loss, resource constraints, geopolitical uncertainty and growing demand for safe, nutritious food is well recognised. A transition towards greater use of plant proteins, alongside sustainable livestock production, can diversify diets, strengthen food and feed security, reduce dependence on imported inputs and deliver resilient rural economies. The EU’s 2026 Protein Action Plan provides an important framework for this transition, complemented by the EU Livestock Strategy. Evidence from VALPRO Path shows that successful plant-protein value chains exist and can expand but this is dependent on regional conditions and on factors ranging from yield stability and crop rotations to processing capacity and location, market access and consumer demand. These value chains need to be underpinned by principles of circularity and cascading use. Supports for the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), targeted finance instruments and mechanisms to facilitate collaboration and coordination are also required if momentum is to be gained for the transition. EU policy must focus on enhancing connection between farmers, processors, retailers, food service, consumers and wider stakeholders, while recognising distinct but complementary objectives for human-food and animal-feed. An integrated approach can support healthier and more sustainable diets, competitive European value chains, resilient rural economies and progress towards the EU’s climate, biodiversity and food security goals.