SCAR NEWS

‘R&I for alternative protein sources: towards strategic autonomy and sustainability in EU protein production’

The SCAR Protein Task Force (TF) is currently preparing a Policy Report titled “R&I for Alternative Protein Sources: Towards Strategic Autonomy and Sustainability in EU Protein Production.” To inform this work, the TF commissioned this Portfolio Analysis (PA) of projects focused on alternative protein sources for food and feed. The analysis aims to map the existing research landscape, identify knowledge gaps, and strengthen evidence-based recommendations, ensuring alignment with European Union (EU) priorities.

Europe faces growing challenges in its agri-food systems, including climate change, market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and a dependence on imported protein. The EU strategic frameworks, such as the Vision for Agriculture and Food (2024), emphasise the need for sustainable, resilient, self-sufficient, and diversified protein production. Furthermore, the European Commission (EC) Food 2030 Pathways for Action 2.0 highlight alternative proteins for dietary shift as one of the key pathways towards sustainable healthy, climate-resilient and inclusive food systems1. Within this context, the SCAR Protein TF seeks to foster research and innovation (R&I) for alternative protein sources - including non-traditional plant sources, microbes, insects, marine biomass, cultured meat, and bioeconomy by-products - through a holistic food systems approach.

The TF aims to provide actionable policy guidance to enhance Europe’s protein self-sufficiency, food security, and sustainability. The PA contributes to this objective by providing an overview of recent and ongoing projects, identifying knowledge gaps and overlaps in funded projects, and supporting the development of a future-oriented European protein research agenda.

Click here to view the report.