Media Release – November 2023

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 gently fermented, plant-based and processed meat and dairy alternatives.

100 Demands from Farmers to the New Government, November 23, 2023, PoliticoPro

The umbrella organization of Spanish farmers (COAG) has sent a document containing 100 demands to the newly appointed – but not so new – Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, for the new term.

Uberization: COAG Secretary General Miguel Padilla called on the ministry to protect small farmers from "agriculture and livestock farming based on Uberized models, integrated into long global trade chains, financed by large capital and/or investment funds, and monopolizing limited natural resources."

Fair prices: Farmers, focusing on generational renewal and reducing depopulation in rural areas, demand the full implementation of the Spanish Food Chain Law, renewed in 2021, which aims to regulate prices throughout the entire chain. They also call for better regulation within 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

According to Research, Over Half of Europeans Are Cutting Back on Meat, November 22, 2023, Plant Based News

According to a survey, more than half of European meat eaters say they are reducing their meat consumption. ProVeg, Ghent University, and Copenhagen University conducted a survey with 7,500 people across 10 countries. While 51% of respondents said they are actively trying to eat less meat, this figure was 46% in 2021. Animal welfare was cited as the reason by 29% of participants, while 26% are most concerned about the environmental impact of meat consumption, with Denmark and the Netherlands leading in green motivations. However, the primary motivation for eating less meat is health, as 47% of respondents indicated it as the most important reason.

Batuhan İNANLAR Food Engineer, M.Sc.

FROM PLANTS