In new cap
Protein cultivation high on the European agenda
A motion for a resolution of the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee shows that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) focuses on the cultivation of vegetable protein. Self-sufficiency is high on the agenda. Despite the fact that the current protein plan has been around for 15 years, there is still a lot to be achieved.
The Agriculture Committee of the European Parliament (EP) has a motion for a resolution published, containing a vision for the cultivation of protein crops. In the new CAP, this must be controlled, website writes Felt.
38
procent
Soy dominates protein market
The European Union (EU) self-sufficiency level is currently 38% for all proteins used in animal feed. However, the differences per product are large.
Soybeans and pressed cakes account for a third of the total protein supply, while the self-sufficiency rate is less than 5%. About 45% of the global protein market consists of soybean trade. In Europe, consumption has grown from 1960 million tons to 2,42 million tons since 36.
Different protein sources
According to the Agriculture Committee, it is up to all European member states to reduce dependence on imported protein. In addition to the local cultivation of soy, there is also room for other legumes, such as rapeseed, sunflowers, peas, field beans and lupine.
In order to increase cultivation, stimulation of such crops is required. To this end, the first pillar is being looked at, including through greening measures. According to the committee, crop diversification, organic cultivation and certification schemes also offer opportunities.
Working with neighbors
Long-term research is also required for the less developed crops. There is little or no interest in this from the private sector. Much is seen in close cooperation with neighboring countries such as Ukraine, where the cultivation areas are very suitable for growing soy. Current trade policy is not in line with reality, according to the motion for a resolution. For the sake of the environment and climate, production and consumption must be reconsidered.
Conflicting policy
It is special decision of the European Commission to no longer allow the use of plant protection products in the cultivation of protein crops for the 2018 cultivation year. Crops such as alfalfa, field beans and soybeans should not be sprayed if they count towards the Ecological Focus Area. Other measures disappeared in the Omnibus meetings, but the anti-GBM measure remains.
On the National Economic Agriculture Congress (November 30 in Bunnik) climate change and protein transition will also be discussed. Are you coming by? Click here for more information.
Niels van der Boom
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