The Collaborative Group for the Plant Protein Strategy was established in Portugal in 2025. Bringing together over 81 stakeholders, including companies, industry associations, farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, institutions, and representatives from academia, the group aims to collectively present a proposal for a national strategy that promotes plant protein, with a particular focus on legumes.

These efforts are supported by the most recent revision of the National Energy and Climate Plan 2030 (PNEC 2030), which is the main energy and climate policy instrument for the period 2021–2030. This introduces a new line of action dedicated to 'promoting a low-carbon diet', including the creation of a national strategy to encourage plant-based protein consumption.

The inclusion of this measure in such an important plan constitutes a significant milestone for Portugal, with the potential to positively impact sustainability, food security and public health. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, including a lack of clear definition regarding funding sources, implementation deadlines deemed excessive, and inadequate metrics to monitor and evaluate results.

Nevertheless, the new PNEC 2030 line of action is clear in promoting 'a diversified diet', with the dual purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector (within the scope of the 11% reduction target) and promoting healthier eating habits.

The PNEC 2030 mentions:

- The creation of a national strategy to promote the consumption of plant-based protein, with an emphasis on legumes, and an integrated approach to ensure protein self-sufficiency and food sovereignty;

- Capacity building and strengthening the supply of plant-based meals in public canteens;

- Awareness campaigns on the benefits of plant-based proteins;

- Promoting short agri-food chains, which reduce energy consumption and emissions associated with transport, packaging, and refrigeration.