EU’s Food Security Plan Calls for Less Meat: Report from Top Ag University Reveals New Strategy

Europe’s food system has reached a crossroads, says a new report from Wageningen University, a renowned agricultural institution.

As concerns over food security rise, the report suggests a clear solution: eat less meat, embrace plant-based alternatives, and shift production priorities.

Europe’s Self-Sufficiency: A Reality Check

Europe’s food supply chain is robust, with the EU already self-sufficient in many essential foods. However, food affordability remains a pressing issue.

While Europe can produce its own grains, dairy, and meat, it still imports 80% of key ingredients like soybeans from Brazil and Argentina. These imports are crucial for feeding livestock, especially pigs and poultry, but they drive dependency and vulnerability to price swings.

The report highlights Europe’s reliance on imported fertilizers and animal feed, with critical resources like nitrogen and phosphate largely sourced from fossil fuels and international suppliers.

The EU’s upcoming Protein Strategy aims to reduce these dependencies by ramping up local soybean cultivation. However, even with these measures, a fundamental shift toward plant-based diets appears essential.

Meat Consumption’s Role in Sustainable Food Security

For Europe to meet its food production goals without increasing land use, the report advises reducing meat consumption significantly.

Around 60% of crops grown in Europe serve as animal feed, not food for people. Ruminants like cows and sheep, the report notes, consume vast quantities of plant calories to produce meat.

“If you’re looking for room for maneuvering, maybe it’s there,” researcher Harriette Bos said, pointing out the inefficiency of red meat in land and resource use.

Poultry, the report argues, is a more efficient option as it converts feed into meat with less waste. Yet, the report insists that moving to a plant-focused diet is essential not only for sustainability but also for health.

On average, EU citizens consume 40% more protein than recommended, increasing risks of heart disease and cancer.

Changing Consumer Habits

While some leaders, like EU agriculture nominee Christophe Hansen, have resisted making dietary changes a legislative focus, Wageningen’s report strongly encourages policy shifts.

Drawing comparisons to taxes on tobacco and alcohol, the report argues for interventions like meat taxes, subsidy adjustments, and educational campaigns.

The final takeaway? To balance food security with sustainability, Europe must embrace a shift in both production and consumption, leading the way toward a diet that nourishes people and the planet alike.

Learn more about the connection between meat production and Europe’s food security strategy by visiting our homepage.