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The financial incentives to grow protein crops must be increased to support the EU protein strategy, according to MEP Mairead McGuinness.
Europe currently imports large quantities of protein crops, such as soya for animal feed, but this dependence on imports leaves Europe open to price volatility.
Last year, Ireland imported 1.7m tonnes of genetically modified soya and maize. The import accounted for over 50% of total feed imports and largely came from countries in South America.
Coupled payment for protein crops has seen a significant increase in the area sown
A report has been adopted by the European Parliament this week, which calls for the cultivation of soya and other protein crops to be better financially incentivised under the Common Agricultural Policy.
“In Ireland, the introduction of a coupled payment for protein crops has seen a significant increase in the area sown. However, as the funding is capped, this limits further expansion in production,” McGuinness stated.
The Commission is due to publish its protein plan for Europe this year and up to 542 MEPs backed the report, which indicates strong support for better financial incentives under CAP for protein crops.
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