EU calls for reducing dependence on imported soybean supplies

The European feed industry has urged EU policymakers to make feed and protein security a key priority in the upcoming EU Livestock Strategy and the EU Protein Plan 2026. According to the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC), the bloc’s heavy reliance on imported soybeans and other high-protein feed ingredients poses growing risks to food security and the competitiveness of European agriculture.

FEFAC estimates that the European Union imports around 70% of the high-protein plant-based raw materials required by its livestock sector. Soybeans, soybean meal and other soy-derived products account for a significant share of these imports and remain essential components of animal feed and aquaculture diets. The federation is therefore calling for a comprehensive EU-wide protein strategy aimed at boosting domestic production of protein crops.

Particular concern surrounds the EU’s annual imports of approximately 33 million tonnes of soybeans and soybean products. Industry representatives warn that any disruption to global supply chains or changes in trade regulations could significantly affect feed availability and production costs across the livestock sector. The upcoming implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is also being closely monitored due to its potential impact on soybean imports.

Beyond soybeans, FEFAC highlighted the EU’s dependence on imported amino acids and vitamin supplements, many of which are sourced from China. The organization is urging the European Commission to develop a long-term strategy to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on a limited number of external suppliers.

The recommendations were released ahead of the European Commission’s expected publication of the EU Livestock Strategy and the EU Protein Plan in early July. Industry stakeholders hope the new policy framework will include concrete measures to strengthen domestic protein production and enhance the long-term resilience of the EU feed and livestock sectors.

Tags: soybean meal, imports, livestock sector, EU, soybean