BRUSSELS — The EU must diversify protein sources for food and feed to reduce dependence on individual countries amid global tensions, Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida stated at the EU Agrifish Council. “We should evaluate increased U.S. purchases to compensate for the EU deficit without harming our economy,” he added during the session on protein crops like soy.
Lollobrigida emphasized that protein crops are vital for both livestock and human consumption. With the EU facing significant deficits, he called for reduced import reliance and safeguards against global supply fluctuations. “The CAP reform must strengthen support tools for plant-based protein production,” he noted, revealing Italy allocated 2% of direct payments to develop such crops.
While soy cultivation expanded to 340,000 hectares over 15 years, domestic production meets only 30% of Italy’s demand. The minister stressed protein must derive from “animal, natural, and plant sources,” firmly opposing lab-grown meat for animal feed or human consumption.
### Policy Overhaul Demands
Lollobrigida urged agro-food self-sufficiency, demanding faster adoption of genomic techniques and revised scientific frameworks for Mediterranean fishing. “Without farmers and fishers, self-sufficiency is impossible,” he asserted, criticizing past EU policies as inadequate.
He also challenged EU pesticide regulations, citing “increasing plant diseases damaging production.” Banning crop treatments without alternatives, he argued, leads to “desertification and counterproductive environmental outcomes.” A joint document from Italy, Hungary, and five other nations called for extended transition periods for banned pesticides, temporary approvals where no substitutes exist, and reintroduction of “essential use” exemptions.
### Danish Presidency Priorities
Danish Agriculture Minister Jacob Jensen, opening the first Agrifish Council under Denmark’s EU presidency, pledged to advance green transition policies while simplifying CAP rules. “We’ll strengthen agri-food competitiveness through better regulation,” he stated. Copenhagen will lead negotiations on the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy and finalize the current CAP simplification package.
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