The European Commission adopted the EU Protein Plan and EU Livestock Strategy on July 7, 2026, establishing a benchmark to increase the share of EU-grown oilseeds and protein crops in domestic animal feed to 35% by 2035, up from about a quarter today. The package is presented as a long-term roadmap to strengthen resilience, competitiveness and sustainability across Europe’s livestock and feed sectors.

Industry bodies FEFAC and FEFANA welcomed the measures but flagged operational vulnerabilities for feed manufacturers. FEFAC highlighted Europe’s continued reliance on imported high‑protein soy and on externally sourced feed additives such as vitamins and amino acids, where a few non‑EU suppliers dominate global capacity. Commissioner Christophe Hansen visited a DSM‑Firmenich vitamin plant in Grenzach and the LORIAL feed mill in Molsheim on July 6 to see additive production and protein‑sourcing efforts, including amino‑acid‑based formulation.

The plans reference measures to support farmers, diversify imports, improve risk management and enhance access to finance. FEFAC and FEFANA both say implementation will require research, innovation and investment to scale up EU protein inputs and specialty ingredients; FEFANA noted feed additives can help meet nutrition, welfare and emissions goals. The Commission has signalled further stakeholder dialogues, including a planned discussion on EU feed legislation in November 2026.