Portugal’s ‘Groundbreaking’ Climate Plan Includes Plant-Based Protein Strategy

Portugal has unveiled a revised climate plan that emphasizes the need for a national strategy on plant-based proteins to reduce the country's ecological footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. The plan promotes low-carbon diets that prioritize plant-based foods over meat and dairy, aiming to transform the food system and combat the climate crisis. ProVeg Portugal has praised the decision as "groundbreaking" and called for clear funding sources and detailed implementation timelines from the government.

The updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP 2030) highlights legumes as a sustainable and nutritious plant protein with high potential. Despite the benefits, Portugal currently produces only 12 percent of the legumes it consumes, indicating room for growth in plant-based protein production. ProVeg Portugal has been advocating for a national strategy on plant-based proteins, aligning with global trends in promoting climate-friendly, plant-based foods to address environmental concerns and improve public health.