This report showcases the inspiring experiences of 33 pioneering farmers from 18 EU Member States who are leading the way towards a more resilient food system by diversifying their production. Driven by entrepreneurial spirit and the growing demand for plant-based foods, these trailblazers highlight how introducing new crops like legumes can successfully improve soil health, spread financial risk, and boost overall quality of life.

However, many face significant administrative barriers and lack local processing infrastructure, making the process complex and risky. To support these sustainable transitions on a wider scale, the report presents field-backed policy recommendations urging EU decision-makers to build robust plant-based value chains in the EU.

Following the joint NGOs call for an EU Plant-based action plan, this Policy Blueprint lays out key measures to unlock the potential of the plant-based value chains in the EU.

By adopting a whole food system approach, addressing the entire agri-food value chain, it details how an Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods could be implemented at the EU level, by focusing on three main aspects: creating an attractive business case for farmers, boosting demand and accessibility of plant-based foods, and investing in the success of all value chain actors.

In January 2025, 130+ organisations representing farmers, consumers, health, animal welfare and environmental interests urged the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food to develop an EU Action Plan for Plant-based Foods by 2026, to strengthen plant-based agri-food chains – from farmers to consumers.

It highlights six objectives the Action Plan would help tackling: achieve strategic autonomy in proteins, provide new business opportunities for farmers, improve health, protect the climate and our environment, save money, and strengthen policy coherence.