Annexes to COM(2018)757 - Development of plant proteins in the EU - Main contents
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This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2018)757 - Development of plant proteins in the EU. |
|---|---|
| document | COM(2018)757  |
| date | November 22, 2018 |
A number of existing policy instruments, and the policy proposals under the new EU multi-year budget (multi - a nnu a l financial framework), in particular for agriculture and research, provide options for further stren gthening the development of EU-grown plant proteins:
1. Support farmers growing plant proteins via the proposed future CAP, by including them in national CAP strategic plans
Developing protein crops could help achieve most of the 9 CAP objectives (economic, environment, climate and socio-economic, including healthier diets).
To support Member States identifying targeted measures, in line with their own needs analysis the Commission will provide advice on ways to include plant proteins in national strategic plans, including:
• setting up sectoral programmes, with a direct or indirect benefit for protein, to strengthen supply chains, unlock the market potential of plant proteins and make farmers more resilient
• rewarding the benefits of legumes for environment and climate objectives (such as green cover or crop rotation) through Eco-schemes and e nvironmenta l/- c li mate management commitments under rural development programmes. Both would offer possibilities to help producers convert to more sustainable types of farming, including sustainable intensification, conservation agriculture, and a g ro- ec olo g ica l practices
• Mobilising rural development support for on-farm investment, supporting farm advice, knowledge transfer, setting up producer organisations, and cooperation along the food chain
• Dedicating appropriate amounts to coupled income support for plant proteins facing difficulties in their development, to make them more competitive/sustainable or improve quality (not limiting themselves to the additional 2 %)
2. Continue to b oost c om p etit iveness through R& I
R&I is a key driver for improving the competitiveness of EU-grown protein plants. Continued support from EU and Member States research programmes will help close gaps in breeding, to offset low investment from the private sector in smaller protein crops and focus on eco-friendly crop protection, sustainable soil management and supply chains.
The proposal for Horizon Europe – with a doubling of the agri-food bud get – will allow us to address these challenges, including, if relevant, through calls for
research/innovation projects specific to protein crops.
The EIP-AGRI,
supported
by
Horizon Europe
and the rural
development
programmes, helps implement innovation at farm level and in supply chains.
both
Under EIP-AGRI, thematic networks and operational groups will continue to gather best practice and harness research results by sharing them across the EU.
3. Improve market analysis and transparency, through better monitoring tools for plant p rote ns
Better data collection of prices, trade flows and production/consumption figures will be help us better understand market dynamics.
DG AGRI will systematically incorporate protein crops in the work of the Crops Market Observatory and initiate a discussion with Member States and stakeholders on regular data collection and exchange.
By favouring a more transparent market for plant proteins throughout the value chain, operators will be able to better tailor their production and investment decisions. In the medium term, this could contribute to developing possibilities for risk management tools, including future markets for soya and other protein crops expressed in EUR.
4. Promote the benefits of plant protein for nutrition, health, climate and environment
Member States and stakeholders are invited to use the various possibilities to proactively communicate and promote protein plants for agriculture, feed and food. One option is to use upcoming calls under the EU promotion programme for agri/food prod ucts, such as:
- ‘Programmes on EU qua lity sche mes, organic’
— Programmes highlighting specific agricultural production systems , e.g. traceabil ity, authenticity, labelling, nutritional and health aspects, environment and sustainabil ity .
In 2019, EUR 200 million will be available to co-finance promotion programmes.
The Commission also commits to widely communicate the benefits of plant proteins (e.g. in fairs, social media) and further interact with children via the school schemes.
5. Increase sharing of knowledge/best practice in supply chain management and sustainable agronomic practices and bundle information on research activities in breeding, technical innovation and processing, e.g. on a dedicated knowledge platform
The Commission calls for a continued debate - with Member States, the European Parliament and other stakeholders — on how best to stimulate regional and national approaches and so unlock the economic potential of plant proteins, using current and future policy instruments for a further growth of plant protein production in the EU.