Project will see development of legume-based products and promotion of plant-based food in catering
A new €2.2 million project to encourage Europeans to grow, deliver and eat more plant-based food has been officially launched today. Two national offices of ProVeg International will play pivotal roles in the use of the funds.
The Innovative Strategies to Accelerate Adoption and Consumption of Plant-Based Food (ISAAP) is part of the EU’s European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s (EIT’s) Food Impact Funding Framework.
The project runs from September 2025 until August 2027 and brings together partners from Portugal, Czechia, and Denmark.
Building on Denmark’s National Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods, the project aims to replicate and expand similar strategies across other EU countries to promote healthier, more sustainable food systems and strengthen Europe’s food resilience.
Portugal
In Portugal, ProVeg Portugal will be closely involved in stakeholder engagement, working alongside farmer organizations such as the Portuguese farmers confederation Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal (CAP), and CERPRO, a producers organization.
Together with the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, they will also support the development of innovative legume-based products, building stronger connections between agriculture, research, and industry.
“Supporting Portuguese farmers to grow more legumes and connecting them with research and industry partners is a cornerstone of this project. Together with CAP, CERPRO, and UCP, we aim to strengthen local food systems and show how collaboration can drive real impact,” Joana Oliveira, country Director of ProVeg Portugal, said.
“ISAAP gives us the chance to contribute to Portugal’s future food strategy while learning from our European partners. By engaging decisionmakers and working closely with farmers and researchers, we can create solutions that are sustainable, resilient, enhance food security and beneficial for everyone,” she said.
Czechia
ProVeg Czechia will focus on increasing access to plant-based meals in the food service sector. Together with Catering Zdravě and other partners, the team will support the development of new plant-based dishes, share expertise across the catering sector, and help expand the New Food Forum, a key industry event.
“Our work in Czechia is about creating more opportunities for plant-based meals in partnership with caterers, policymakers, and innovators. The ISAAP consortium allows us to learn from others, share best practices, and together make sustainable food choices more accessible to everyone,” Martin Ranninger, ProVeg Czechia’s country Co-Director, said.
“The transition to a sustainable food system can only succeed if industry, farmers, policymakers, and civil society work hand in hand. Through ISAAP, ProVeg Czechia is proud to collaborate with diverse partners to expand plant-based options and support positive change for both people and the planet,” he added.
A collaborative effort
ISAAP’s strength lies in the diversity of its consortium, which combines expertise from farmers, researchers, caterers, NGOs, and associations.
ProVeg’s involvement complements and supports the crucial roles played by partners in developing practical solutions — from cultivating legumes and innovating new products to engaging healthcare professionals and shaping national policies.
“ISAAP represents a joint effort to make plant-based foods more accessible, appealing, and sustainable across Europe,” Jasmijn de Boo, Global CEO of ProVeg International, said. “We are proud to collaborate with partners in creating real change that benefits farmers, industry, and consumers alike,” de Boo added.
By working together, the ISAAP partners contribute to broader EU objectives, while also aligning with EIT Food’s three missions: building a Net Zero food system, supporting healthier lives through food, and creating a fairer, more resilient food system.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For media inquiries, email Peter Rixon at [email protected].
For scientific data about the benefits of plant-based eating, see our Food System Data website.
About ProVeg International
ProVeg International is a food awareness organization with the mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. Our vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
The ISAAP project is co-funded by
For more information, visit the project webpage at eitfood.eu/projects/isaap and the project website at isaap.eu or follow the LinkedIn page.
