The Plant-Based Manifesto has been launched
The Plant-Based Manifesto was launched in the run-up to the European elections in 2024 to highlight the urgent need for Europe to transform its food systems to meet the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Photo: EVU
The Plant-Based Manifesto was presented on 7 November at a roundtable event entitled “EU Food Systems: sustainability for future expansion” in the presence of various high-level EU stakeholders. Following an introductory presentation and the launch of the Manifesto, the roundtable speakers discussed sustainability and the future of EU food policy.
Over the next few months, the European Vegetarian Union (EVU) will be delving deeper into the various details of the Manifesto and gathering information and responses on where the political parties stand on the issues it raises.
Fish Business: the EVU represents plant-based interests at the European Parliament’s PECH hearing
On Wednesday 29 November, EVU, as the sole representative of plant-based interests, was invited to a hearing of the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries on the use of fish terms in plant-based foods. Recognising the importance of clear labelling, EVU stressed the need to put environmental sustainability first and to promote plant-based alternatives. From a consumer perspective, the organisation raised transparency concerns about the lack of representation of the plant-based seafood sector.
Rafael Pinto, Political Manager of EVU / Photo: EVU
Consumers deliberately choose plant products
Rafael Pinto, Policy Manager at EVU, argued that consumers are deliberately choosing plant-based products and presented data that supports an understanding of current naming. EVU urged policymakers to focus on the critical role of plant-based alternatives in addressing environmental challenges and driving innovation, and called for an inclusive dialogue. The EVU highlighted the significant growth in sales of plant-based seafood products in the EU, stressing the demand for sustainable options and calling for a forward-looking approach to food systems.