EIT Food Announces Blueprint for Protein Diversification in Europe

EIT Food, a European Union-supported food community operating under the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), has introduced a comprehensive policy brief titled "Accelerating Protein Diversification for Europe." The document puts forth a set of policy recommendations aimed at fostering innovation, production, and consumption changes in the protein landscape.

Encouraging a holistic approach, EIT Food advocates for a systems-thinking perspective within the European food sector to diversify protein sources. The overarching goal is to reshape global food systems, making them healthier and more sustainable. The consensus among EIT Food experts is that protein diversification must be a cornerstone of future food strategies to accommodate the growing population while mitigating the adverse impacts of food production.

Unveiled at the EIT Food's Future of Food Conference in Brussels, the policy brief aims to catalyze legislative action, urging policymakers to prioritize protein diversification as a central element in transforming Europe's food systems.

Safeguarding Europe's Food Systems

The call for a European policy on protein diversification arises from the acknowledgment of the pivotal role protein production and consumption play in Europe's food system. Protein, a focal point for the burgeoning plant-based segment, spans various facets of the food industry, encompassing nutrition, public health, agricultural emissions, and food security concerns.

According to Acacia Smith, Vice President of the EIT Food Protein Diversification Think Tank and Senior Policy Manager at the Good Food Institute (GFI) Europe, "Protein diversification has a central role to play in transforming food systems at the scale needed to bring down climate emissions and increase resilience while creating new opportunities."

Transitioning away from animal-based products, the industry can usher in alternative protein sources such as plant-based, cultivated, precision-fermented, algae-based, and insect-based options. The policy brief emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts and discussions between industry leaders and their respective governments.

Smith emphasizes the collaborative role of European Union (EU) governments in driving change, from research and investment (R&I) funding to establishing supportive policy frameworks for farmers. This joint effort is crucial to navigating the intricate landscape of protein diversification, fostering innovation, and steering the industry toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

Related categories in the food industry, spanning from Algae and Amino Acids to Plant-based Products and Proteins, underline the multifaceted nature of the protein diversification initiative. The policy brief reflects a commitment to shaping the future of protein consumption in Europe through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices.