EU Aims to Cut Dependency on U.S. Soy, Oilseed Imports

The European Commission has set a goal to source 35% of animal feed protein crops domestically by 2035, up from 25% last year, in an effort to reduce reliance on imports from the U.S. and Brazil. The move aims to address supply risks and environmental concerns tied to deforestation. The strategy includes boosting domestic production, diversifying imports toward partners like Ukraine, and supporting farmers while scaling back strict emissions rules. The EU is one of the world’s biggest suppliers of food products, but its livestock industry is heavily dependent on imports of protein crops, making the region vulnerable to supply disruptions. The bloc will also look to use trade negotiations to boost Europe’s agriculture sector and enforce EU food safety standards. The plan for livestock seeks to support a sector that generates 400 billion euros ($457 billion) in annual turnover and employs around 7 million people across Europe.