In the recent vote on the European Protein Strategy, MEPs recognized the importance of bolstering plant-based production for human consumption. However, there was a notable oversight regarding the crucial aspect of reducing animal numbers, especially within intensive farming.
Eurogroup for Animals expresses disappointment over the rejection of an amendment proposing a reduction in animal-sourced protein from intensive farming in the report.
While two-thirds of EU agricultural land is dedicated to animal production, with a significant portion designated for intensive farming feed, the Parliament’s focus seemed to miss a pivotal dimension.
The discourse on EU food security, prompted by Russia’s actions in Ukraine, underscores the urgency of transitioning from the overconsumption of animal protein to cultivating more food for people on arable land, in line with national dietary guidelines and planetary boundaries.
Even though the Parliament considered animal welfare in the context of insect farming for food and feed, Eurogroup for Animals voices concerns about the sustainability of insect farming and cautions against the potential negative impact on animal welfare posed by methane-reducing feed-additives.
The organization calls on the European Commission to give priority to plant-based protein production for food, not feed, in its review of the plant proteins report. Emphasizing the necessity to decrease animal numbers in intensive farming, Eurogroup for Animals advocates for a sustainable, long-term approach to food security in Europe.