The Government initiative has been welcomed by ProVeg Portugal as a meaningful step towards transforming the country’s food system
Portugal’s Ministry of Environment and Energy has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability with the approval of the updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP 2030).
The revised plan introduces a groundbreaking initiative (see page 203 of the plan) to promote a “low-carbon diet,” focusing on reducing animal protein consumption, encouraging plant-based protein alternatives, and planning a national strategy for plant-based protein.
Food awareness organization, ProVeg Portugal, today welcomed the country’s initiative.
“This is a meaningful step towards transforming the country’s food system,” Joana Oliveira, Director of ProVeg Portugal, said.
“The Government now needs to establish clear funding sources, craft detailed implementation timelines, and define robust impact metrics,” Oliveira said.
ProVeg a vocal advocate for the strategy
Together with other Portuguese environmental organizations, ProVeg Portugal has been a vocal advocate for a national strategy on plant-based protein, working collaboratively to ensure its inclusion in the NECP.
The new Portugal NECP seeks to foster a diversified diet, focusing on reducing animal protein intake and increasing the consumption of plant-based protein.
Measures outlined include the creation of a national strategy for plant-based protein consumption, especially legumes, and the expansion of plant-based meal options in public canteens. Additionally, it highlights the need to reduce food waste and modify production practices.
ProVeg argues that a crucial next step is the planned creation of a detailed action plan for plant-based protein, promoting its production and research. Developing this sector can yield significant environmental, health, and economic benefits, as other countries in Europe have made progress in this area. Denmark launched its own action plan for plant-based food last year.
Why a low-carbon diet?
Food consumption accounts for about 30% of Portugal’s ecological footprint, surpassing emissions from transportation.
High meat consumption, including fish, is responsible for 49% of the country’s food-related ecological footprint, exerting pressure on local ecosystems.
The Portugal NECP’s push for reduced meat consumption and increased plant-based protein production is also essential for mitigating the agricultural sector’s environmental impact. Agriculture in Portugal is responsible for 12% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with significant contributions from animal farming and manure management. By prioritizing plant-based diets, Portugal can reduce these emissions.
Portugal currently produces only 14% of the legumes it consumes, which presents an economic opportunity. These crops are cost-effective, durable, and versatile, providing a sustainable source of protein, serving as a base for the development of alternative protein products, and supporting agriculture adapted to climate change. Legumes play a key role in sustainable food production, as they help fix nitrogen in soils, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting more resilient, low-impact agriculture.
In terms of health, legumes are rich in key nutrients such as protein, iron, fiber, folate, magnesium, and zinc. Their consumption is linked to lower risks of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality.
This update to the NECP aligns Portugal with European recommendations to increase funding for sustainable agricultural practices and to focus on plant-based foods.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For media inquiries contact ProVeg Portugal’s Communication Manager, Catarina Chavinha, at [email protected].
For inquiries about ProVeg International, contact Peter Rixon at [email protected]
For scientific data about the benefits of plant-based eating, see our Food System Data website.
About ProVeg International
Our vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet. 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.
