Blueprint for an EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods

In January 2025, over 130 organisations called on the European Commission to introduce an EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods by 2026. This document is a joint blueprint for how to get there. The call, based on recommendations from the Strategic Dialogue, urges a comprehensive approach across the entire agri-food value chain – from production and processing to retail and consumer access. Although plant-based food shows clear potential, the sector remains underdeveloped, and coordinated EU action is needed to unlock its full benefits.

The proposed Action Plan should drive long-term demand for plant-based foods, support farmers – particularly younger and organic producers – and strengthen regional supply chains. It should also foster innovation, create a level playing field among agricultural products, and build stronger connections within the sector to support a fairer, more resilient, and competitive food system.

To ensure successful implementation, the plan must be backed by both robust public funding – via the EU Compass and future MFF – and private investment through programmes like InvestEU. Expanding plant-based food production and consumption would help address key EU challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security, while positioning the EU as a global leader in sustainable agri-food systems.