The European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development adopted a proposal by a French MEP to restrict the use of certain meaty names for plant-based foods.
The proposal was included in a targeted revision of a Common Market Organisation (CMO) regulation. The CMO proposal voted on by the Parliament committee on Monday 8th September is likely to come before the full Parliament in October.
ProVeg says EU farmers can be supported by creating higher-value markets for pulses, soy, wheat, fungi, nuts, and vegetables, many of which are already grown in Europe. Legumes also support better soil health and reduce fertiliser needs, lowering production costs.
Jasmijn de Boo, global chief executive of ProVeg, said: “We encourage policymakers to support Europe’s farmers and enhance the economies of EU states by ensuring that the marketing of plant-based foods is balanced and transparent.
“In particular, we encourage clarity in labelling rather than restriction. As the plant-based food market continues to grow, EU policies should support its development, for the benefit of the European economy and to help the EU meet its goals to restore the bloc’s environment and reduce its emissions.”