EU Project Targets Local Plant Protein Feed
Livestock feed buyers reliant on imported protein may gain regional alternatives as PROFEED tests crops through 2030.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Agriculture
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The European Commission has launched PROFEED, a project backed by almost €5.5 million in Horizon Europe funding, to develop locally sourced plant protein alternatives for livestock feed. Led by the University of Leeds with 15 partners across eight countries, the project runs from October 2026 to September 2030. European operators dependent on imported feed protein are the primary audience.
Why it matters
Almost 96% of high-protein feed used in Europe is imported, leaving local livestock producers exposed to supply disruptions, price swings and environmental pressure. PROFEED targets that dependence by screening alternative crops for regional production.
The project holds almost €5.5 million in Horizon Europe funding and involves 15 partners from eight countries, with 40 farmers across 10 lighthouse sites. More than 130 soyabean, lupin and alfalfa accessions will be screened, against a European market where nearly 96% of high-protein feed is imported.
The players
European Commission
The executive body of the European Union that proposes legislation and manages EU-wide funding programmes such as Horizon Europe.
University of Leeds
A major UK research university that leads the PROFEED consortium and coordinates its 15 partners across eight European countries.
The details
Candidate plant varieties will first be screened under controlled conditions, including current and future climate scenarios. Selected varieties will then be tested across different European climatic regions under real farming conditions. The project will also set up an open-access digital platform, a harmonised European database, policy recommendations and a multilingual MOOC for the sector.
Timeline
October 2026: PROFEED project begins.
September 2030: PROFEED project scheduled to end.
Market Landscape
PROFEED is funded through Horizon Europe, the European Union's research programme, and extends that agenda into livestock feed supply. The project responds to a long-standing European reliance on imported high-protein feed, with Ireland's import figures illustrating the national pattern.
Livestock operators relying on imported soy-based protein should monitor the varieties and regional roadmaps PROFEED produces, since they could diversify feed sourcing over time. Feed procurement teams should track price and supply exposure as results emerge from the 2026 to 2030 project period.
The takeaway
Feed buyers should treat import dependence as a cost and supply risk to be reviewed in future procurement plans. Watch for PROFEED's published regional roadmaps and policy recommendations as the project's findings emerge through 2030.
Further reading
For broader context on how feed supply shapes farm operations, see the Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agriland.
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