In a world where climate change, food insecurity, and supply chain disruptions are the norm, Europe must rethink its approach to agriculture. Protein diversification plays a central role in this transformation. By expanding the variety of protein sources - plant-based, microbial, and cultivated - Europe can reduce import dependencies, improve food security, and open new income streams for farmers.
It’s time to build a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable food system. EIT Food Protein Diversification Think Tank presents "Towards a Resilient and Sustainable Future: The Role of Protein Diversification in the EU Agri-Food Sector." This paper highlights how diversifying protein sources can unlock opportunities for Europe, ensuring food affordability, reducing import dependencies, and boosting sustainability and competitiveness.
Why Protein Diversification?
Protein diversification is essential for creating a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive food system in Europe. Here’s why:
Food Security – Diversifying protein sources helps make nutritious food more affordable and reduces import reliance.
Sustainability – Alternative proteins lower environmental impact and support Europe’s climate goals.
Economic Growth – New income streams for farmers and innovation opportunities enhance Europe’s global competitiveness.
Curious about how protein diversification can transform Europe’s agri-food sector?
As food prices rise, 8.3% of Europeans cannot afford a protein-rich meal every day. Protein diversification can help make nutritious food more affordable for all.
Resilience:
Europe currently imports the majority of its plant protein sources, increasing vulnerability. Diversifying production strengthens food sovereignty and supply chain stability.
Competitiveness:
European start-ups are leading innovation in alternative proteins, with €1.45B raised in 2023 alone. This emerging market boosts Europe's global leadership in the agri-food sector.
Sustainability:
Diversifying protein sources aligns with the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, reducing environmental impact while supporting local farmers with sustainable income opportunities.
Towards a Resilient and Sustainable Future: The Role of Protein Diversification in the EU Agri-Food Sector
Please share your ideas and join the discussion by reaching out to Protein Diversification Think Tank Coordinator Marcin Tischner at marcin.tischner@eitfood.eu or PDThinkTank@eitfood.eu.
ISAAP's mission is to support a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient food system by promoting plant-based foods and building strong national action plans in Portugal and Czechia.
EIT Food is strategically supporting transitioning to more regenerative agriculture methods at farm-level in Europe to meet its climate change targets, food security needs, protect our farmland and build a healthier food system through the…
The 2025 Test Farms cohort brings together a diverse group of visionary agritech startups from across Europe. Each of them is developing innovative solutions addressing critical challenges in agriculture, from soil health and precision…
Food Security & Affordability:
Resilience:
Competitiveness:
