19
Oct
2023
Watch
European protein strategy (debate)
Madam President, I welcome the fact that this report contains the contributions we have made from the Committee on Fisheries so that the European protein strategy incorporates fishery and aquaculture products. The marine environment provides proteins of the highest quality and with a low carbon footprint. Good example to improve the Farm to Fork Strategy, which we want to call "From the sea to the table". Europe has a deficit in its protein production that needs to be addressed. We are jeopardising the Union's food security. The strategy is also a decisive tool to further incorporate circular economy principles into food production. We need legislation and support for innovation to fit the contribution that alternative plant proteins, insects, algae or fungi will make. We also need it to solve the technical and ethical problems that can arise from cell culture, and to avoid ambiguous or misleading labelling of new products. Consumers deserve it, which will also benefit from a better balance between actors in the protein production value chain.