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Based on the available data for 2023/24, feed demand is assumed to remain stable at 71 million tonnes in crude protein compared to the previous marketing year. EU self-sufficiency for all sources of protein is expected to be at 75%. The share of all oilseed meals represents 27% of total feed protein use in the EU and the share of cereals represents 21%. However, for oilseeds meals, the EU only produces 27% of what it needs to feed its livestock sector.
The EU’s dependence on imports of protein products is mainly linked to pedoclimatic and structural reasons, such as the average size of holdings, the available land on the continent, the competitiveness of different crops, and overall, less favourable soil and climate for specific products, like soya beans.
Some progress can be observed. The EU’s production of protein-rich plants (oilseeds and dry pulses) is forecast to be at 7.2 million tonnes of crude protein in 2023/24, which represents a significant growth of 28% over the last 15 years.
According to a study published by the Commission, an increase in diversification of production in the EU requires available agricultural land suitable for the needed crops. The study shows that replacing 50% of soya bean-equivalent imports would mean swapping 6.6 million hectares of other crops. On the medium-long term, the possible options to reduce import dependency can thus only be a combination of different levers and alternatives that must be competitive, available over a longer period, meet the nutritional needs of animals and be reasonably priced.
At EU policy level, the study recommends temporarily increasing coupled income support within the CAP for plant protein cultivation, in compliance with WTO rules. It also mentions that CAP operational programmes and rural development funds could further support farmers and the value chains to invest in alternatives. Action at national level is necessary to complete that at EU level. According to the study, Member States could systematically include measures to support cultivation of plant proteins in their CAP Strategic Plans but also set up national protein plans.
May 24, 2024/ European Commission/ European Union.
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu
