How to unlock the potential of the plant-based sector

Scope and Objectives 

On Tuesday 1 December, from 14:30-16:30 CEST, the EESC's Permanent Group on Sustainable Food Systems is hosting a debate, during its 3rd annual meeting, on how to unlock the potential of the plant-based sector. The aim of the discussion is to explore the advantages and potential of diversifying protein production in the EU, for both food and feed purposes. 

The debate will include contributions from EESC Members, representative of the European Commission, and representatives of civil society.  

The event will be livestreamed and freely available on this website, with interpretation in EN/FR/ES. 

Context

The EU remains highly dependent on imports when it comes to protein crops and high-protein feed. Amidst geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions, the European Commission's Protein Action Plan aims to reduce this dependency to make the EU's agri-food systems more resilient and to boost EU strategic autonomy in the feed sector. It aims to create incentives to expand sustainable EU protein production and to diversify both imports and production. In this context, the EESC's Permanent Group on Sustainable Food Systems is hosting a debate which explores how the plant-based sector can contribute to the diversification of EU protein production, thereby strengthening the resilience of the EU's agri-food systems.