Linking production, processing, and consumption of plant-based protein alternatives in Europe
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: To confront current sustainability challenges, the European Commission aims to transition towards plant-based diets as well as shorter, regionalized value chains. Plant-based meat and dairy alternatives (PBAs) are seen as an important tool in the food system transition, replacing protein from animals with high-protein plant sources such as legumes. However, regionalized PBA value chains require the co-occurrence of legume producers, PBA processors, and consumers, and we lack understanding of the current status and future potential for such value chains in Europe. In this article, we integrate publicly-available datasets with a web-derived inventory of PBA processor locations to map the regional strength of PBA value chains across Europe. Using processors’ visions and employee interviews, we complement the spatial analysis with an exploratory assessment of how actors perceive their role in a plant-based food system transition.Regions in north-western Europe demonstrate (moderately) strong value chains for regionalized PBAs, yet few regions contain all three value chain nodes. The absence of PBA processors is the most widespread barrier for more regional value chains (particularly in Eastern Europe), suggesting a need for infrastructure and policies that incentivize innovation in the value chain and new connections between legume producers, PBA processors, and consumers. PBA processors in our sample express diverse values and therefore could play complementary roles in sustainability transitions. However, global processors are markedly less likely to have visions related to systemic change. Together, our results showcase the potential to expand regionalized PBA value chains to improve sustainability throughout the EU, but regionalisation may not be possible everywhere, highlighting the need for a cross-scale and context-specific approach to plant-based protein transitions.
Source: Global Environmental Change
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,530
Awards: Increasing productivity and sustainability of European plant protein production by closing the grain legume yield gap, G6340731492, Planning Land Use Strategies: Meeting biodiversity, climate and social objectives in a Changing world., CONtract SOLutions for Effective and lasting delivery of agri-environmental-climate public goods by EU agriculture and forestry
OpenAlex ID: W4403298699