European Parliament votes to increase plant protein production and consumption

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Politics & Law

European Parliament Votes to Boost Plant Protein Production & Consumption

The European Parliament has voted in favour of a strategy that aims to increase plant protein production and consumption within the EU. Based on an own-initiative report adopted last month, the European Protein Strategy emphasises the importance of high-protein crops to improve food security and sustainability. The report was drawn up in response to the European Commission’s food security communication last year, and though it is non-binding, it still has the potential to influence the Commission. MEPs voted in favour of the strategy by 305 to 109, with 69 abstaining. Those who support the strategy are calling for dedicated plant protein funds, along with schemes to promote the growth of legumes and diversify the types of protein produced. Additionally, they suggest more R&D into plant-based …

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the fruit of the palm oil used for palm oil production

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Politics & Law

EU Parliament Backs Proposed Law to Ban Products Linked to Deforestation

Members of the European Parliament have backed a proposal for a law that would ban the sale of agricultural products linked to deforestation. Once the law is approved, businesses will be required to ensure that their agricultural goods do not contribute to deforestation anywhere in the world. The legislation will cover soy, cattle, palm oil, wood, cocoa, and coffee. It may also be extended to include meat from pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry, along with maize, rubber, charcoal, and printed paper products. As an extension of the law, MEPs propose that goods should be produced in accordance with human rights provisions and in a way that respects the rights of indigenous people. They also suggest that banks and financial institutions should be covered by the …

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Cultivated meat dish

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Politics & Law

European Parliament Holds First Ever Cultivated Meat Debate

On Wednesday July 13, the European Parliament held its first ever cultivated meat debate, organised by MEPs Tilly Metz and Ulrike Müller. The debate was attended by several key players in the field, including representatives from GFI Europe, Cellular Agriculture Europe, Mosa Meat, and CE Delft. Many emphasised the sustainability benefits of cultivated meat, along with the need for more funding. Robert Jones, president of Cellular Agriculture Europe and head of public affairs at Mosa Meat, invited agricultural groups to work with the cultivated meat industry to find ways for farmers to aid in the transition to more sustainable proteins. However, he emphasised that cultivated meat is just one part of a broader solution. Sector can reduce emissions by 92% The debate was also attended …

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Oatly amendment 171

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Society

Amendment 171: Hearings Begin Tomorrow to Decide Fate of Plant-Based Dairy

Climate-hostile Amendment 171, which aims to censor plant-based alternatives to dairy products, will be debated from Wednesday 21 April. If the Amendment is passed, phrases such as “creamy” or “like milk” would be banned on packaging, similar packaging such as cartons will be forbidden, and it would even be illegal to refer to scientific data showing that a dairy alternative is more climate friendly. Tomorrow, the European Parliament, Commission and Council of Ministers begin trilogue negotiation, where topics under Common Organisation of the Markets in Agricultural Products (CMO) will be considered. The Amendment was never subject to the normal process of public scrutiny via an impact assessment or open consultation. In the lead up to discussions, a public petition opposing the move, spearheaded by ProVeg, Upfield and …

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Compassion in World Farming

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Society

EU Parliament Demonstrates Overwhelming Support to ‘End the Cage Age’ in Warmly Welcomed Hearing

In a three-hour public hearing this morning on the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘End the Cage Age‘, which was signed by 1.4 million people across all EU member states, EU institutions received overwhelmingly that it is time that the EU abolished the cruel practice of imprisoning hundreds of millions of factory farmed animals in cages each year, as part of the run-up to an official European Commission response to the issue.

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vegetables vegan law

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Society

BREAKING: EU Rejects Restrictions on ‘Meaty’ Terms BUT Signs Point to Huge Complications for Plant-Based Dairy

A majority of MEPs rejected all versions of the proposed labelling restrictions on terms like ‘burger’ and ‘steak’ for plant-based products today after thousands of oppositions. However, business may become more tricky for producers of plant-based dairy as it backs a clampdown on dairy related terminology and packaging styles.

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Society

Update on EU Labelling Ban for Meat-Related Terminology – Vote is Suddenly Split Creating Loophole

Lobbying is taking place at this moment for the ruling that would potentially ban the use of words such as ‘burger’ and ‘sausage’ for plant-based products, which would affect thousands of independent brands, forcing them to rebrand and relabel, potentially putting smaller companies out of business. Here’s the update and how you can help.

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Million Dollar Vegan

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Society

Politicians Give Rallying Support to Million Dollar Vegan Campaign

With the latest scientific evidence showing the devastating effects of industrial livestock on our planet and the environment, 40 MEPs have declared their support for the Million Dollar Vegan Campaign. The campaign calls for the public to eat vegan food during the 40-day Lent to combat climate change, species extinction, pollution and the suffering of livestock. The declaration was signed by MEPs from 17 EU Member States and seven of the eight political groups in the European Parliament, coordinated by German MEP Stefan Eck.

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