The move came at a workshop organised by Copa-Cogeca on “Protein Crops, the Crops of the Future”. The workshop confirmed that new scientific studies have clearly shown the environmental benefits of protein crops in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting biodiversity and improving soil quality.
Xavier Beulin, President of the Oilseeds and Protein Crops Working Party, stressed that the development of protein crops will contribute to the main objective of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in maintaining food security, the potential increase estimated by the feed compound industry represents 20 million tonnes (10 times more than today).”At the same time, it will enhance agricultures’ contribution to the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10 to 15% and maintaining biodiversity”, he added.
But he stressed that in order to include protein crops in a sustainable manner in the crop system, revenue from these crops must be increased in the short term through support under the CAP. By doing so, it will boost breeding research, improve cultural practices and boost animal feed outlets.
