A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) says that diversifying the proteins produced and consumed in Europe could strengthen food security, improve resilience, boost competitiveness, and reduce environmental pressures. The agency argues that protein diversification should be treated as a long-term strategic priority to help build more sustainable food systems.
The report highlights that Europeans consume an average of 80 to 85 grams of protein per day, exceeding the needs of most population groups. Around 60% of this protein comes from animal-based products, suggesting there is room to shift towards a more balanced mix of protein sources while maintaining healthy nutrition.
According to the EEA, the current protein system has significant environmental impacts. Livestock production generates more than 65% of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, while grazing and feed production occupy over half of the bloc’s agricultural land. Livestock and fertiliser use also contribute to water pollution and eutrophication, and agriculture accounted for about 94% of the EU’s ammonia emissions in 2023, a major source of fine particulate air pollution. The report concludes that broadening protein sources could play an important role in reducing these pressures while supporting a more resilient European food sector.
Read the complete report here: Protein diversification in Europe: risks and opportunities for sustainable food systems | Publications | European Environment Agency (EEA)
