In April 2017, the European Commission published for the first time an overview of total EU production, consumption and trade of all marketable sources of proteins used in animal feed production. The EU protein balance sheet 2015/2016 confirms the high EU deficit on protein-rich sources such as soybean meal and soybeans for EU crushing, while it also shows the bulk of raw protein requirements is provided through cereals.
The publication of this independent tool to monitor the balance of demand and availability of protein crops in the EU was jointly welcomed by Copa-Cogeca, COCERAL, FEDIOL & FEFAC, who foresee increased market transparency. This allows for informed discussions on the potential impact on the availability of protein sources for EU livestock farmers following legislative changes for example to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as well as non-agricultural policies related to biofuels, phytosanitary and trade.
The Commission has indicated that a second EU protein balance sheet will be published after the summer of 2017 once data are available for the whole marketing year 2016/17, which will contribute to the discussions within the scope of the new EU Market Observatory on European cereals, oilseeds and protein crops, which is scheduled to hold its first meeting on 20 July 2017.
