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European Union
Protein Task Force logo

ORGANISATION

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Chairs:

Pablo Gómez Grande [ES] Adeline Boire [FR]
Pablo Gómez Grande (ES) Adeline Boire (FR)


Mandate:

Since September 2022


Members:

10 European Countries + EC Observers

CONTEXT AND RATIONALE

Europe’s agri-food system faces a period of great challenges, such as climate change, market volatility, geopolitical tensions and strategic autonomy need. This is prompting the European Union (EU) to strengthen the resilience and autonomy of its food systems, and protein supply (and consumption) is a sensitive and strategic issue in this regard. Currently, Europe depends heavily on imported proteins, posing risks to sustainability, food security, and sovereignty.

In this scenario, the European Parliament resolution on a European Protein Strategy (2023) and the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food (2024) highlight the need for a sustainable, diversified, and self-sufficient protein strategy. This includes reshaping protein production and consumption, promoting domestic value chains, and reducing reliance on imports.

In this context and within this strategic framework, the SCAR Protein Task Force (TF) aims to foster R&I for alternative protein sources with a holistic approach to food systems, based on coexistence and diversification. These include non-traditional plant-based proteins, micro-organisms, insects, marine biomass, cultured meat, and by-products of the bioeconomy. The TF adopts a food systems approach, considering the full spectrum of sustainability, from environmental impact and circularity, to dietary health and socio-economic implications.

Working in close synergy with the other SCAR Working Groups and ongoing EU research initiatives, the SCAR Protein TF want to be a platform for knowledge integration, policy advice, and foresight. It aims to map the state of the art, identify R&I gaps and needs, and support the transition to a resilient and strategically autonomous protein supply system across Europe.

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MISSION & VISION

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Mission

To provide strategic advice on R&I for protein production and consumption to foster alternative sources and support the development of sustainable agricultural and food systems in Europe ensuring both food and feed sovereignty while enhancing environmental, dietary, and socio-economic resilience.

 

Vision

A future European food system that is sovereign, resilient and sustainable grounded in a balanced diversification and coexistence between traditional and alternative protein sources. This system will integrate different production practices, circular bioeconomy principles and dietary transitions to promote health, biodiversity, and reduced environmental impacts.

AIM & ACTIVITY

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Main Objective

To support the EC by identifying barriers, drivers, gaps, and opportunities for transitioning to sustainable, diverse, and sovereign protein systems through R&I.

Strategic Ambitions:

  • Ensure food and feed sovereignty by reducing dependence on imports through regionally-produced proteins.
  • Enhance the resilience of EU protein food systems to withstand geopolitical disruptions and ensure long-term food security.
  • Adopt a systemic, holistic food systems approach that considers global interdependencies, especially with Africa.
  • Explore how alternative proteins can shape the future of agriculture and diets, addressing climate, environmental, and nutritional concerns.
  • Encourage co-existence and diversification between traditional and alternative proteins in sustainable dietary transitions.
  • Consolidate Member States' positions and national plans to align towards a shared European vision.
  • Emphasize the One Health approach integrating consumer health, nutrition, quality of life, and well-being.
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Operational Objectives

  • Map policies, strategies, and R&I initiatives on alternative proteins in Europe.
  • Identify and assess R&I gaps and needs in primary production, processing, and consumer acceptance.
  • Provide data-driven policy advice and foresight, aligned with EU goals like the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Green Deal and other environmental
  • Facilitate knowledge exchange and con tribute to a potential Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).

Key Areas of Interest

  • Protein sources from non classical plants, insects, microbes, cultured meat, marine sources, and bioeconomy by-products.
  • Nutritional, environmental, and socio-economic impacts of dietary shifts.
  • Agroecological practices, genetic improvements, and circular production models.
  • Consumer behavior, market penetration, and food safety of novel proteins.
  • Rural development and local/territorial value chains.
  • EU food sovereignty and resilience against climate risks and supply shocks.
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Core Activities

  • Mapping and analysis of current R&I, projects, and policy frameworks.
  • Workshops, surveys, and stakeholder consultations to explore acceptability, barriers, and innovation needs.
  • Cross-sectoral collaboration with other SCAR working groups (e.g., Agroecology, Fish, Bioeconomy, AKIS, SAP).
  • Portfolio analysis and best practice reviews from EU and beyond.
  • Development of strategic documents: Policy briefs, SRIA, and foresight reports.
  • Aligning EU and national R&I agendas, proposing co-creation models and governance frameworks.