ProVeg UK has published a policy briefing highlighting how European countries are ‘steaming ahead’ in plant-based food promotion, warning that the UK could be falling behind other regions.

In its briefing, ProVeg argues that the UK government’s newly announced ‘Good Food Cycle’ national food strategy presents an opportunity for the nation to ‘catch up’ to other European countries. It details how the UK could lead on promoting plant-based food to meet health, climate and food security challenges.

In Europe, German dietary guidelines already recommend upper limits for meat consumption, while the Netherlands is encouraging supermarkets to increase their plant-based protein sales. Spain has also passed legislation requiring greater provision of plant-based foods in schools.

ProVeg highlights Demark as a country ‘rising above the crowd’ following the publication of the world-first Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods nearly two years ago. The policy sets out a framework to promote plant-based food production and consumption, positioning Denmark as a leader among Europe in establishing a tangible plan to accelerate the plant-based food sector.

ProVeg offers these countries’ initiatives as examples of how the UK can adopt similar approaches and incorporate them into its own Good Food Cycle strategy.

Julian Cottee, senior corporate engagement manager at ProVeg, commented on the Good Food Cycle: “The strategy is attempting to be genuinely systemic and cross-departmental. It recognises the complexities of the food system and the need for many voices, communities and cultures to be engaged”.

“One thing it doesn't do – yet – is to lean into the facts about the need for a substantial transition towards plant-based protein sources in order to meet environmental goals. Plant-rich diets are internationally recognised as central to health and environmental sustainability, and governments must do all they can to promote them. We can’t afford to miss this opportunity to set out an ambitious vision and roadmap towards more diverse and resilient protein sources in the UK food system.”

The ProVeg policy briefing lays out four action points:

• Update national dietary guidelines to strongly encourage the consumption of plant-rich foods and reduce meat consumption.

• Mandate reporting for supermarkets on the proportion of plant-based vs animal-based protein on the shelves.

• Ensure schools, hospitals and other public settings provide healthy, plant-rich catering and plant-based meals to everyone who wants them.

• Create a coordinated, cross-sector action plan for plant-based foods that promotes plant-based diets from farm to fork.

Sophia Millar, head of programmes at ProVeg UK, said: “Clear action needs to be taken in the UK to lessen the burden on the National Health Service, improve children’s nutrition, slash greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the country’s economy and food security”.

“By taking these four steps, the UK will set itself on a path towards a much more sustainable food system that will benefit people, the environment and the country’s food security.”