Dutch parliament backs push for plant-based protein action plan

The Dutch House of Representatives has backed a motion calling on the government to incorporate plans for greater plant-based food production and consumption into its developing food strategy and package of measures addressing nitrogen emissions.

• The motion calls for a 'More Plant-Based Food' action plan to be considered as the Netherlands develops its food strategy and nitrogen measures.
• It points to more than 500 companies already operating in the sector and calls for the Netherlands to pursue growth in sustainable plant-based protein production.
• The Dutch government responded positively to the proposal before the vote, citing links with its ambitions around food security and more sustainable food production.

The motion, submitted by Party for the Animals MP Christine Teunissen, was adopted on 17 September by 79 votes in the 150-seat House of Representatives. D66, PRO, CDA, ChristenUnie, DENK, PvdD, SP, 50PLUS and Volt supported the proposal.

It calls on the government to take the proposed 'More Plant-Based Food' action plan into account as it further develops the country's nitrogen package and food strategy.

The motion points to the existing base for plant-based food production in the Netherlands, stating that Dutch farmers and growers already produce plant-based crops and that more than 500 companies are active in the sector. It argues that the potential for further growth is considerably larger.

Teunissen also cited calls from farming representatives, businesses and supermarkets for an action plan designed to help the Netherlands strengthen its position in sustainable plant-based protein production.

The proposal specifically links the development of the sector with opportunities for Dutch agriculture, including the potential for farmers to generate income from protein crops grown domestically. It also identifies agricultural policy, climate policy and public health among the areas that could benefit from greater plant-based food production and consumption.

Importantly, the motion received a positive response from the Dutch government before MPs voted.

During the parliamentary debate, Prime Minister Rob Jetten said several organizations were already working to encourage both the production and consumption of plant-based foods.

He said this work aligned with several government ambitions concerning food security and making food production more sustainable, adding that the government was willing to include Teunissen's request in its work. The government therefore left the motion to the judgment of parliament, indicating that it was supportive rather than advising MPs to reject it.

The vote does not itself establish a detailed national plant-based protein program or specify new funding. Instead, it directs the government to incorporate the call for an action plan as it develops two broader areas of policy.

That could give plant-based protein production a more explicit place in discussions around the future of Dutch agriculture and food production.

The Netherlands already has an established plant-based food and ingredients sector, while the motion puts particular emphasis on connecting downstream food production with domestically grown crops.

Its reference to farmers' earning potential is significant to the proposal's scope. Rather than focusing solely on encouraging consumers to eat more plant-based products, the motion encompasses production and consumption and links increased demand with opportunities for Dutch growers.

The proposal was submitted during the Algemene Politieke Beschouwingen, the annual parliamentary debate that follows the presentation of the Dutch government's budget and policy plans. The House's official voting record confirms that the motion was adopted.

The next stage will be determined by how the government incorporates the request into the further development of its food strategy and nitrogen package, including whether that process results in a dedicated action plan and what measures it ultimately contains.

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