Info­graphics: Protein in Europe

The autonomy level of Euro­pean animal husbandry varies depending on the protein group. Fact is: Europe will remain depen­dent on imports. However, in the long term, breeding and tech­nical advances will increase inde­pen­dence. See our inter­ac­tive graphics to find out what is happening where.

October 2019

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Over the next few years, global meat produc­tion will increase signif­i­cantly, which may lead to price fluc­tu­a­tions on the soybean market. At the same time, consumers have higher demands in terms of trace­ability and eco-balance. This is a partic­ular chal­lenge for Europe, as a large propor­tion of the required protein feed comes from abroad.

See the inter­ac­tive info­graphics to find out what is happening in Europe and how gaps could be filled.

SOYA PRODUCTION WORLDWIDE AND IN EUROPE

Italy and France are the largest soya producers in Europe. Of the 347m t of soya produced world­wide, 80% goes to the food industry for oil and protein produc­tion. After pressing or extrac­tion, soya meal remains for animal feed.

 

IMPORTS INTO THE EU

32,4m t

14.1m t of soyabeans and 18.3m t of soyabeans meal are imported into the EU 28 per year.

 

 

EUROPEAN AUTONOMY BY PROTEIN CONTENT CATEGORY

Discover the propor­tion of self-suffi­ciency depending on the protein group:

protein content< 15%

86%

protein content15-30%

protein content30-50%

 

 

EU 28 TOTAL PROTEIN USE

Sorted by source, in million t raw protein

18,54m tCrops38m tRoughage25,95m tCo-prod­ucts from pressing2,5m tNon-plant sources

 

 

DEVELOPMENT OF MEAT PRODUCTION

In the mid-term, no price explo­sion is to be expected on the soyabean market: Projec­tions by the USDA predict a soyabean meal price increase of only $35 (£29)/t by 2027/2028. In the long term, some para­me­ters point to possible supply bottle­necks. For example, the increase in global meat produc­tion, according to the FAO.

 

 

HOW TO CLOSE THE GAP?

Old and new protein sources offer solu­tions for more inde­pen­dence

RAPESEED CAKE
Rape­seed meal with low fibre content and protein content up to 46% thanks to new processing methods

PEAS, BEANS, LUPINS AND CO
Good candi­dates to boost self-suffi­ciency in mid to high protein levels

EUROPEAN SOYA
There is hope that breeding will help adapt soya to Euro­pean climates and get rid of unwanted ingre­di­ents

INSECTS
Very good amino acid patterns and unbeat­able area effi­ciency – but EU legis­la­tion could be an obstacle

BACTERIA
They turn CO2 into a highly concen­trated protein product. However, envi­ron­mental foot­print needs to be improved

ALGAE
With 50% crude protein content, they are a good source of protein for pigs, but currently expen­sive to produce

 

SOURCES: FAO, DG AGRI (FIGURES 2017-2018), AGRESTE