Domestic soybean to compensate the European protein deficit: illusion or real market opportunity?

Abstract

This article is an attempt to analyse the potential for EU-grown soybean to become a credible market alternative in order to reduce the European protein deficit. The analysis is conducted from the perspective of the European feed industry. The market analysis shows that the EU has very little control on its soybean supply. Moreover, the nature of the EU protein deficit calls for an increase of the availability of protein-rich ingredients. With a favourable outlook from the point of view of the demand, the most relevant growth model should be determined in order to improve the competiveness of soybean for EU arable crops farmers. The two main options are niche markets as a first step to reach mainstream supply or a more direct approach towards mainstream supply which would very probably require public support.

Keywords

• EU soybean
• EU protein deficit
• competitiveness
• niche market
• mainstream supply