Following a presentation to the council of EU agriculture ministers on Monday, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan has launched a public consultation on the development of a potential European protein plan.

Commission figures show that of 45m tonnes of animal feed protein consumed in the EU every year, one-third comes from soya. Yet 95% of soya is imported, while the EU is 92% self-sufficient in other protein crops such as cereals, oilseeds and pulses. Soya beans are traded tariff-free and compete directly with domestic protein.

There is a growing need to stimulate local production

"A significant proportion of soya bean crops grown outside the EU are genetically modified, but with European demand for non-GM food and feed remaining high, there is a growing need to stimulate local production," the Commission said in a statement.

It is preparing a report looking into the research and environmental aspects of protein crops, as well as the development of value chains and market potential. A survey is available online for farmers and industry stakeholders to give their views.

Ministers including Ireland's Michael Creed welcomed the Commission's initiative at Monday's council. Some member states called for economic incentives for protein crops under the next CAP, including the continuation of the current coupled payments available in some countries including Ireland.

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