EU report urges major rethink of protein R&D to cut import reliance and scale alternatives

The European Union needs to fundamentally rethink how it produces, processes and consumes protein if it is to reduce its reliance on imports and build a more resilient food system, according to a new report from the SCAR Protein Task Force.

• The EU produced less than one third of the protein-rich feed required by its livestock sector, with the majority imported as soybean meal.
• Alternative proteins such as insects, algae and microbial fermentation are expanding but remain constrained by scale, cost and regulation.
• Consumer acceptance and gaps in fundamental research were identified as major barriers to wider protein diversification.

The report, titled R&I for Alternative Protein Sources towards Strategic Autonomy and Sustainability in EU Protein Production, examined the state of research and innovation across Europe’s protein landscape, from primary production through to consumer behavior.

It set out a clear challenge. The EU remains structurally dependent on imported protein, particularly for animal feed. Much of that supply comes from a limited number of countries, leaving the region exposed to price volatility, geopolitical disruption and environmental impacts linked to production abroad.

Current data shows that around 66% of high-protein feed is imported, rising to 96% in the case of soybean meal, the dominant feed ingredient in European livestock systems. Despite producing tens of millions of tons of crude protein domestically, the EU still faces a persistent deficit that requires substantial annual imports.

The report described this imbalance as a systemic weakness, driven by a combination of historical policy choices, economic incentives and infrastructure gaps. Protein-rich crops such as legumes and oilseeds continue to play a relatively modest role in European agriculture, while cereal-based systems dominate.

At the same time, consumption patterns reinforce the imbalance. Animal-based proteins account for roughly 55-60% of intake across Europe, with plant-based sources contributing far less. Pulses, often cited as a key component of sustainable diets, remain under-consumed despite their nutritional and agronomic advantages.

Against this backdrop, the report positioned alternative proteins as a critical part of the solution. Technologies such as microbial fermentation, insect farming and algae cultivation are gaining momentum, offering the potential to reduce pressure on land and resources while diversifying supply.

By 2035, alternative proteins could account for between 11% and 22% of the global protein market, with Europe expected to play a significant role in that growth. However, the report made clear that scaling these technologies remains a major challenge.

Across the sector, many innovations are still operating at intermediate levels of technological maturity. High production costs, limited infrastructure and fragmented supply chains continue to restrict commercial deployment. Regulatory complexity, particularly under EU novel food rules, adds further friction by extending approval timelines and increasing costs.

The report highlighted the need for sustained investment in scale-up capabilities, including pilot facilities, processing infrastructure and shared innovation platforms. Without these, promising technologies risk stalling before reaching the market.

Consumer acceptance emerged as another critical barrier. While awareness of sustainability and health issues is increasing, this has not yet translated into widespread changes in dietary behavior. Concerns around taste, price, familiarity and perceived naturalness continue to shape purchasing decisions.

Importantly, the report noted that this challenge extends beyond novel proteins. Even established plant-based options such as legumes face resistance due to limited culinary familiarity and entrenched consumption habits.

The findings pointed to a broader issue: shifting protein consumption is not simply a matter of product availability. It requires coordinated action across food environments, including retail, public procurement and education, as well as a deeper understanding of behavioral drivers.

Alongside these market and consumer challenges, the report placed strong emphasis on the role of fundamental research. While applied innovation has driven much of the recent progress in alternative proteins, gaps remain in understanding how protein structure, functionality and nutrition interact across different sources and processing methods.

Without this scientific foundation, there is a risk that scaled systems may fail to deliver on quality, sustainability or health outcomes. The report argued that future research efforts must balance short-term innovation with longer-term knowledge development.

A central theme running through the analysis is the need for a systems approach. Rather than focusing on individual technologies or sectors, the report examined the entire protein value chain, identifying interconnected challenges and opportunities at each stage.

In primary production, expanding the cultivation of protein crops such as peas, soybeans and lupins offers a pathway to reduce import dependency. These crops can also deliver environmental benefits, including improved soil health and reduced fertilizer use through nitrogen fixation. However, adoption remains limited due to lower profitability, climate constraints and insufficient agronomic support.

Within the feed sector, alternative inputs such as insect-derived protein and agricultural by-products could reduce reliance on imported concentrates while supporting circularity. Improving feed efficiency through precision nutrition and advanced formulations was also identified as a key lever for reducing emissions and resource use.

In food processing, the report highlighted the need for technological innovation to improve the functionality and sensory performance of alternative proteins. Variability in raw materials, coupled with limited processing infrastructure, continues to constrain product quality and scalability.

Distribution and retail were identified as critical points of influence, shaping both availability and consumer exposure. Product placement, pricing and procurement policies can all play a role in accelerating the adoption of sustainable protein options.

At the end of the value chain, circular approaches offer significant potential. Converting agricultural and food system by-products into high-value protein ingredients through fermentation and biorefinery processes could reduce waste while improving overall system efficiency. However, scaling these solutions requires investment in infrastructure and robust safety and traceability frameworks.

To address these interconnected challenges, the report called for greater policy alignment across agriculture, environment, health and innovation. Current frameworks often operate in silos, creating inconsistencies and limiting the effectiveness of interventions.

A more coordinated approach, supported by integrated data systems and harmonized sustainability metrics, could enable more effective decision-making and accelerate progress toward EU goals.

Rather than advocating for a complete shift away from conventional proteins, the report emphasized a coexistence and diversification strategy. Combining traditional and alternative sources allows for gradual transitions, reduces risk and reflects the diversity of regional food systems across Europe.

The European Commission has already signaled its intention to develop a comprehensive protein strategy, building on initiatives such as the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. These efforts aim to strengthen food sovereignty while reducing environmental impact and improving public health.

The SCAR report suggested that achieving these ambitions will require sustained investment, stronger coordination and a clearer focus on the full value chain. Reducing reliance on imported protein is not a single intervention but a systemic transformation, spanning research, infrastructure, policy and consumer behavior.

The challenge now lies in translating analysis into action, as Europe seeks to balance competitiveness, sustainability and resilience in its protein system.