On Friday 24 May, the European Commission published its latest forecasts for the production, trade and use of protein sources for animal feed in the EU.
It also presented a study on the possibilities of diversifying protein sources. It appears that the choice of feed proteins for animal production remains dependent on a number of factors, above all competitiveness. Profitability and solid value chains remain essential for developing protein production in the EU. Reducing dependence on feed imports can contribute to the EU’s strategic autonomy and ensure a more resilient and self-sufficient European food system while improving sustainability.
The study shows that replacing 50% of soya equivalent imports would mean swapping 6.6 million hectares of other crops.
Based on the data available for 2023/2024, demand for animal feed should remain stable at 71 million tonnes of crude protein compared with the previous marketing year. The EU should be 75% self-sufficient in all sources of protein.
The EU remains fully self-sufficient in roughage, which remains the main source of protein for animal feed (41% of total animal feed use in the EU). Oilseed cake as a whole accounts for 27% of total food protein use in the EU, and cereals for 21%. However, when it comes to oilseed cake, the EU only produces 27% of what it needs to feed its livestock sector.
Details: https://aeur.eu/f/cct (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)