Developments in Europe
German Government to boost alternative proteins with €38 million investment, November 20, 2023, Food Navigator
The German Government has allocated €38 million in its 2024 budget to promote sensitive fermented, plant-based, and processed meat and dairy alternatives.
Farmers Present New Government with 100 Demands, November 23, 2023, PoliticoPro
The umbrella organization of Spanish farmers (COAG) has sent a document containing 100 demands for the new term to the newly appointed—but not so new—Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas.
Uberization: COAG Secretary General Miguel Padilla called on the ministry to protect small farmers from “agriculture and livestock farming based on Uberized models, incorporated into long global trade chains, financed by large capital and/or investment funds, and monopolizing limited natural resources.”
Fair prices: Farmers, focused on generational renewal and reducing the population in rural areas, are demanding the full implementation of the Spanish Food Chain Law, renewed in 2021, which aims to regulate prices throughout the entire chain, as well as better regulation in the food chain.
Sector needs: The document also includes calls to reduce the sector’s dependence on energy while promoting renewable energies and advancing digital transformation.
Global Developments
More Than Half of Europeans Are Cutting Meat, According to Study, November 22, 2023, Plant Based News
According to a survey, more than half of meat-eaters in Europe say they have reduced their meat consumption. ProVeg, Ghent University, and the University of Copenhagen conducted a survey of 7,500 people in 10 countries. Fifty-one percent of respondents said they were actively trying to eat less meat, up from 46 percent in 2021. Animal welfare was cited as the reason by 29% of respondents. Twenty-six percent are most concerned about the environmental impact of meat; Denmark and the Netherlands lead in green motivations. However, the main motivation for eating less meat is health; 47% of respondents say this is the most important reason.
Batuhan İNANLAR Food Engineer
FROM PLANTS
