The European Commission adopted an Action Plan on 7 July 2026 to reduce the EU's strategic dependency on imported protein for animal feed, aiming to increase resilience, strategic autonomy, and sustainability of the EU protein system. The plan targets farmers, the feed industry, and consumers. The EU imports 74% of its high-protein feed (oilseeds and protein crops), with 94% of soya protein imported, mainly from Brazil, the US, and Argentina. The plan sets three objectives: expanding sustainable EU protein supply via CAP incentives; improving competitiveness through research and innovation; and strengthening value chains by boosting demand and local solutions. EU plant protein production in 2025-2026 was 67.2 million tonnes, mostly roughage (45.5%) and cereals (43.7%), with protein-rich plants at 7.2 million tonnes. The plan notes that Ukraine could reduce the EU's trade deficit from 13.9 to 4.7 million tonnes and raise self-sufficiency from 76% to 86% in a prospective accession. The plan complements the livestock strategy adopted on the same day; fisheries and aquaculture are not covered. Feed additives (e.g., amino acids) are heavily imported, notably from China, which holds a quasi-monopoly for some. The EU livestock sector uses 74 million tonnes of feed protein annually; net reliance on imports is 15% of total feed use. The Council is scheduled to examine the plan on 13 July 2026.
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