Europe’s Protein Future:
Unlocking Plant-Based Innovation through the EU Protein Action Plan

On 7 July 2026, the European Commission adopted its EU Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan. Together, they aim to strengthen food security, reduce strategic dependencies and build a more resilient and competitive European agri-food system. The Protein Action Plan seeks to expand the supply and use of EU-grown protein, including a target to increase the share of EU-produced oilseeds and protein crops used in animal feed from 25.8% to 35% by 2035.
Plant-based proteins are an important part of this ambition. Expanding European production and processing can help diversify protein supply, strengthen rural and regional value creation and create new opportunities across agriculture, food and feed processing, technology and nutrition. Growing demand for plant-based ingredients and products can also support innovation and broaden consumer choice.
The Action Plan goes beyond agricultural production, addressing value chains, processing capacity, research and innovation, market development and public procurement. For SMEs and scale-ups, successful implementation will depend on investment, workable regulatory pathways, market access and stronger links between farmers, processors, innovators and customers.
The roundtable takes the Protein Action Plan as a welcome step and focuses on delivery: where can implementation create the strongest opportunities for European production, innovation and business growth, and where do practical gaps remain?
The event will:
● Examine the implications of the Protein Action Plan for European plant-protein value chains
● Identify opportunities and practical challenges for production, processing, innovation and SME scale-up
● Bring together policymakers, farmers, businesses, researchers and civil society to discuss implementation
Key questions include:
● How can the Protein Action Plan translate into concrete opportunities for European plant proteins, innovation and business growth?
● Which policies and investments can strengthen production, processing, market development and demand?
● How can science-based and workable regulation support innovation, product development and consumer confidence?
● How can stronger links across the value chain help build a more competitive and resilient European protein sector?