These countries produce the most protein crops

The cultivation of protein crops is becoming increasingly popular. Not surprising, in view of the protein transition that is underway. But which country in Europe actually grows the most soy? And where is the cultivation of, for example, field beans or peas the largest? Eurostat statistics recently put it together.

Soy has developed into the most well-known protein crop in just a few years. Its cultivation is especially popular in Italy, where the acreage amounts to just over 250.000 hectares. Although it is clearly a decrease compared to previous seasons. This is apparent from recent figures from Eurostat statistics on the cultivation of protein crops in Europe. This is followed by Serbia, with an area of ​​230.000 hectares. It is striking that cultivation is increasing precisely there. Favorable market prices and a changing consumption pattern underpin that growth, he said Agro-messages Abroad earlier. Last year, the Eastern European country achieved a hectare yield of 3,17 tons per hectare. That is still considerably less than in Italy, where 3,93 tons are obtained from one hectare.

Soy cultivation is also clearly on the rise in France. Last year the acreage amounted to around 180.000 hectares. That was 125.000 hectares five years earlier. Hungary – with approximately 60.000 hectares – is also a major producer of soy. Last year it took 2,90 tons from one hectare. The Netherlands is not participating. Eurostat figures show that no soya was grown in our country last year. A year earlier, the acreage covered 480 hectares. The Central Bureau of Statistics is talking about 132 hectares in 2020. In any case, a significant decline. Not necessarily surprising, because our climate is not very suitable for growing soy.

United Kingdom bets on beans
If we look at the cultivation of field beans in Europe, the United Kingdom stands head and shoulders above the rest. Last year the acreage covered about 190.000 hectares. A substantial plus compared to the previous year, when approximately 135.000 hectares were sown with field beans. The move is not surprising, given the British government's commitment to the cultivation of protein crops such as field beans, lupine and lentils. In the past five years, the turnover of plant-based alternatives has more than quadrupled. The country is the second largest market for plant-based foods in Europe, after Germany.

France and Lithuania are in second and third place. Last year, French farmers cultivated about 75.000 hectares of field beans and in Lithuania the acreage covered about 55.000 hectares. The acreage in both countries remained somewhat stable last year. The Netherlands again does not participate in the top 10, but is focusing more on the cultivation of field beans. It is the main protein crop. Last year the acreage amounted to 3.450 hectares. That was 2.000 hectares two years earlier. Growth is therefore certainly visible.

France grows most peas
Finally, if we look at the cultivation of peas, France leads the list. Last year the acreage amounted to around 230.000 hectares. Just like in the United Kingdom, the government is driving the transition to the cultivation of protein crops. The aim is to increase the acreage of vegetable protein crops by 2022% by 40. By 2030, the area should have doubled to 8% of the total agricultural area, or 2 million hectares of protein crops. The government has €100 million earmarked for. All this should ensure that the country does not become dependent on imports.

Spain also produces a lot of peas. Last year the acreage amounted to approximately 125.000 hectares. Although that is considerably less than in previous seasons. In the previous two years, peas were grown on 140.000 hectares and 145.000 hectares respectively. Romania is in third place, with an area of ​​95.000 hectares. Germany is in fourth place, with an area of ​​80.000 hectares. That acreage has been fairly stable for five years. Eurostat indicates that no or very few peas are grown in the Netherlands. There are still opportunities here for agricultural entrepreneurs.

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