FEFAC has released a two-page factsheet aiming to provide perspective from the feed sector in the light of the development of the European Protein Plan.

The fact sheet stresses the importance of the animal nutrition dimension in the European feed industry’s capacity to valorize vegetable protein sources grown in Europe. Also the potential contribution for plant breeding innovation is noted. At the same time, FEFAC highlights that trade-offs are possible when choosing one protein source over another.

"The ‘protein supply dimension’ needs to be a factor of importance in the decision making process of all EU policies that have an effect on the strategic EU protein supply," states the fact sheet, which acknowledges fish for their "very high protein concentrations (>60%) containing highly digestible and balanced amino acids, and very low levels of anti-nutrients."

"Securing the protein supply is a crucial element for the European livestock sector to be able to deliver high quality and competitive animal products. As a result to a chain of events in recent decades and an absence of protein-oriented policy making, the European compound feed industry relies heavily on imports for the protein sources that deliver the most appropriate protein quality for European farm animals, which is usually soybean meal. FEFAC therefore fully welcomes the initiative to develop a European Protein Plan to boost the quality and suitability potential of ‘home-grown’ vegetable protein to increase the options for animal nutritionists."