The EU umbrella organisations for the algae (EABA), yeast (COFALEC) and insect production sectors (IPIFF) have joined forces in supporting efforts to upscale EU protein production.
The organisations representing the algae (EABA), yeast (COFALEC) and insect production sectors (IPIFF) in Europe have joined forces in supporting efforts to upscale European Union protein production.
Representatives of the three sectors on December 1st launched a joint roadmap that focuses on four main pillars, notably (a) unlocking regulatory opportunities, (b) facilitating access to green investment, (c) supporting R&D efforts and (d) developing joint promotion/communication activities.
Recognised under the “Farm to Fork” strategy, such new sources of nutrition may play a considerable role in reducing “the dependency on critical feed materials”, while also contributing to the development of healthier, nutritious food products. Speaking at the opening of the event, IPIFF’s President Adriana Casillas highlighted that the potential of these innovative sectors to contribute to the “Farm to Fork” objectives is unequalled.
“The scientific evidence from past years provides promising directions to raise awareness around the nutritional and environmental benefits of alternative proteins – and along with other sectors active in the production of such new proteins, we are committed to addressing possible challenges”, said IPIFF’s second vice-President, Antoine Hubert.
REGULATORY LEVEL-PLAYING FIELD NECESSARY
Echoing the words of the IPIFF representative, EABA President, Vitor Verdelho Vieira also underlined that “such sectors have the potential to transform EU’s food systems”. Yet, to maximise their contribution, a regulatory level-playing field is necessary.
All three sectors have expressed their commitment to strengthen their partnership to further explore the nutritional and environmental benefits associated with these innovative solutions – especially in the context of EU funded research programme”, mentioned IPIFF’s first vice-President, Aman Paul.
Presenting the joint roadmap, COFALEC’s Secretary-General, Diane Doré expressed her recognition for the fruitful collaboration initiated by these sectors earlier in 2018. “This event gives us the opportunity to reiterate our commitment for the EU Green Deal objectives – and pave the way for a longer-term commitment that will flourish thanks to the synergies/complementarity of our sectors,” she noted.
