In a letter sent today to the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Konstantinos Tsiaras, the Association of Greek Vegetarians (HellasVeg) is requesting the official support of Greece for the Protein Diversification Strategy and the EU Action Plan for Plant Foods, ahead of the critical meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), taking place today under the Presidency of Denmark.
During the AGRIFISH meeting, the Danish presidency will present its work program and priorities for the second half of 2025, while EU Agriculture Ministers will exchange views on the supply, production, and sustainability of protein crops for food and animal feed. As highlighted by the European Commission in its announcement “A Vision for Agriculture and Food,” the EU heavily relies on imported high-quality proteins, making our food system vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market and sustainability risks. It is, therefore, crucial to examine both the production and consumption of proteins in the EU.
HellasVeg, as an official member of the European Vegetarian Union (EVU), emphasizes the importance of transitioning to sustainable and resilient food systems, calling on the Greek delegation to actively contribute to shaping a common European policy. The letter underscores that strengthening plant proteins and adopting a unified Action Plan will contribute to:
- sustainable agriculture and nutrition,
- protein self-sufficiency and strategic autonomy of the EU,
- supporting farmers and diversifying crops,
- promoting healthy, plant-based dietary patterns.
According to a recent nationwide survey (2024), 70% of Greek citizens consider it important to support farmers transitioning to plant agriculture, demonstrating societal backing for this direction.
How such an EU Action Plan could be structured has already been detailed in a Blueprint published in June 2025 by over 70 civil society and industry stakeholders, which is also supported by a Joint Appeal signed by 130 organizations in January 2025.
HellasVeg, following its previous letter to the Ministry, emphasizes that active support from Greece will strengthen the country’s position in the European dialogue while promoting national priorities such as crop restructuring, sustainable development, and innovation in the primary sector. HellasVeg calls on the Greek government to actively support these initiatives, contributing to the formation of a strong European policy framework that will ensure a healthier, more sustainable, and fair future for production and nutrition.
Thessaloniki, July 14, 2025