June 3, 2024

 

EU urged to boost oilseed production to reduce protein import dependence

EU-specific support for oilseed production and a joint public-private research effort are key elements recommended to increase the supply of EU-made proteins for animal feed, according to a study published by the European Commission, Euractiv reported.

 

Facing growing dependence on third countries for protein supplies, the European Commission's strategy focuses on diversification. The study, commissioned by the Directorate-General for Agriculture, highlights the need to implement diverse combinations of levers tailored to the agricultural sectors' needs and conditions across various EU regions and farm types.

 

The animal feed sector, particularly for swine and poultry, is highly dependent on protein imports from third countries. Only 29% of these proteins come from within the EU. The study indicates that 23% of oilseed cake and 3% of soy cakes are produced in Europe, with the remainder largely imported from the Americas for the conventional sector, and from Africa or Asia for the organic sector.

 

This strategy builds on the initial EU protein strategy published by the European Parliament Research Service in July 2023 and a subsequent European Parliament resolution on 19 October 2023. A major obstacle identified is the lack of competitiveness for European-grown protein crops, such as soy, sunflower, rapeseed, and legumes, compared to imports and other crops competing in rotation.

 

To address this, the study recommends a substantial increase in existing "coupled income support" for oilseed crops to incentivise farmers. Coupled aids link Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support to specific productions, as opposed to being an income supplement for farmers.

 

Currently, coupled aid within the CAP covers one million hectares and can be extended to 7.8 million hectares. This limit was set in the 1992 Blair House Agreement between the EU and the United States. Fully exploiting this potential could support an area equivalent to half of current imports, the study suggests.

 

Harvest insurances are another policy tool highlighted to boost protein crop production, with recommendations for increased CAP support for this solution. The strategy also proposes promoting the production of protein-rich plants within the EU, such as soy, sunflower, rapeseed, and legumes.

 

The study suggests replacing imported soy with "improved meals" from high-protein sunflower or rapeseed (HiPro) or legumes grown in the EU. This shift should be accompanied by selecting animals more adaptable to diversified diets.

 

In the long term, the Commission calls for the development of alternative proteins, such as insects and algae, alongside cultivated proteins. The study also promotes the use of processed animal proteins (PAP) and former foodstuffs within a circular economy approach.

 

All these actions should be part of a significant research plan combining public and private efforts to increase protein crop yields and develop innovative raw materials. The study also emphasizes the need to develop transport infrastructure to reduce costs and efficiently transport protein sources from production zones to consumption areas.

 

The study acknowledges that achieving "zero importation of protein-rich products" would take decades, even with strong political will. It also recommends diversifying and securing protein sources with close partners, such as Ukraine, to protect against international transport disruptions.

 

Experts conclude that reducing dependence on imported proteins requires an organized and balanced implementation of all alternatives at the EU, national, and regional levels. They commend the "protein plans" already implemented by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

 

-      Euractiv