European governments push plant-based
- Despite pushback against plant-based, some European governments are advocating for meat-free diets
- Prominent among them is Denmark, which has advocated for animal-free diets both at home and at EU level
- Belgium has also been pushing for more plant-based food in its dietary guidelines
- Germany too is advocating for more plant-based and fermentation-based foods at the “common table”
After years of decline, animal-based meat and dairy have recently seen a resurgence as consumers become less interested in sustainability.
At policy level, too, the trend is playing out, with the EU Commission itself pushing for bans on ‘meaty’ names for plant-based foods, ostensibly to avoid consumer confusion.
Elsewhere, however, some European governments are promoting meat alternatives and plant-based foods: in national action plans, in dietary guidelines, and in EU-wide proposals.
EU Council presidency promotes focus on plant-based foods
This month, Denmark ascended to the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Its programme for the presidency stresses the importance of a transition to more sustainable diets. Furthermore, it points out the importance of the diversification of sources for maintaining protein supply.
It also commits to focus on an EU action plan on plant-based foods, and a common EU protein strategy.
Denmark has been seen as a pioneer
Before Denmark assumed the EU Council presidency, it advocated plant-based diets in its own country.
In 2023, Denmark released a national action plan for encouraging Danes to eat more plant-based food. It was the first country to do so, with many lauding it as a pioneer at the time.
Included in the plan are pledges to provide more training to chefs to provide more plant-based meals, as well as more focus on plant-based diets in primary schools and more exports of Danish-made plant-based foods through embassies.
The plan followed on from an investment of 1 billion kroner (€84.9m) to advance plant-based foods two years prior.
Belgium adds plant-based to dietary guidelines
Belgium’s dietary guidelines were updated this year to provide greater emphasis on plant-based foods.
While the guidelines on meat intake remain the same, there was greater emphasis on plant-based consumption, with a greater emphasis on legumes.
The recommendations are to reduce red meat consumption (to no more than 300g per week) and prioritise plant-based protein sources, as well as to avoid ultra-processed foods.
This was in part, according to the European Vegetarian Union, published alongside a study exploring the low intake of fruit and vegetables amongst Belgians. It revealed that just 7% of adults met vegetable consumption targets, and 10% met fruit targets.
Germany says plant-based foods have a place at the “common table”
In Germany, a move towards a plant-based diet has been recommended.
The Scientific Advisory Board on Agricultural Policy, Nutrition and Consumer Health (WBAE), part of Germany’s agriculture ministry, recently published a report calling for an “ideology free” dialogue around plant-based foods, fermentation-based foods, and cultivated meat.
It suggested such foods have a place at the “common table” alongside more traditional plant-based and animal-based fare.
The report criticises Germany’s VAT of 19% on plant-based products, compared to 7% on animal equivalents.
Nevertheless, Germany’s agriculture minister Alois Rainer was reluctant to endorse the report’s proposals, reports Euractiv, saying that consumers should make their own choices.
