Publications

The paper highlights the importance of aligning policies with farmers’ real-world challenges, recognising their dual role as both business owners and stewards of the environment, and developing appealing business models that place farmers at the center. This paper stems from roundtable discussions with farmers, food producers, nonprofits, academics, and other stakeholders, all concerned with how protein diversification and regenerative agriculture can help address pressing issues like food security and climate resilience.

In recent years, Europe has faced unprecedented challenges, from a global pandemic and geopolitical turbulence to rising inflation and the impacts of climate change. These events have reshaped policy priorities, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to competitiveness, food security, resilience, and sustainability. As part of this transformation, protein diversification has emerged as a vital solution to reduce import dependencies, provide farmers with new income opportunities, and strengthen Europe’s food system. The paper explores how diversifying Europe’s protein sources can address these challenges. Covering themes of food affordability, resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability, it offers actionable insights and recommendations to drive the transformation of Europe’s food system.

This policy brief sets out a comprehensive set of recommendations, advocating for a systems thinking approach and acknowledging the importance of engaging with the entire food system. It builds on the white paper published in December 2022 by the EIT Food Protein Diversification Think Tank and the feedback received, going a step further to look at the pathways ahead. It is the result of a collaborative process between the Think Tank members, bringing their own expertise, as well as consulting with various experts and stakeholders from the protein diversification field for a more accurate representation of required developments.

The Policy Brief was officially launched during Future of Food Conference, taking place on 26th of October, during the Accelerating Protein Diversification for Europe breakout session.

As one of many ongoing activities, the Protein Diversification Think Tank co-created a new whitepaper detailing the latest innovations and critical factors in bringing more planet-friendly proteins to our plates.

The Whitepaper provides an outlook of the latest technological developments, the business and societal potential of protein diversification The paper considers a variety of protein sources, including plant based, identifies the needs and opportunities in protein research and innovation in Europe and puts forward high level recommendations to further accelerate innovation in this strategic sector.