EU Agency Models a 5% Emissions Cut From Diversifying Europe’s Protein Supply

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released a report highlighting the need to diversify Europe's protein supply to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. The report states that livestock production is responsible for over 65% of the EU's agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and requires significant land use for grazing and feed production. By rebalancing the protein mix towards more plant-based options, the EEA believes that the EU can reduce its environmental footprint while still meeting nutritional needs.

The report suggests a portfolio of complementary pathways to achieve protein diversification, including plant-based foods, meat and dairy alternatives, insects, fermentation-derived proteins, and cultivated meat. While plant-based proteins offer immediate environmental benefits due to established production systems and consumer familiarity, emerging options face challenges around production costs, infrastructure, regulatory complexity, and consumer acceptance. The report also highlights the economic opportunities of alternative proteins, with the plant-based protein market projected to grow significantly by 2030 and a potential 5% reduction in EU agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 through a shift to diversified protein sources.