Today, the European Commission revealed its Vision for Agriculture and Food, defined as “an ambitious roadmap aimed at ensuring a competitive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food system for Europe.” The European Heart Network (EHN) welcomes the recognition of sustainability and innovation but regrets the missed opportunity to shift to plant-based diets, which are essential for preventing cardiovascular diseases and achieving sustainability goals.
A cardiovascular health-promoting diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, and low-fat dairy, while limiting the consumption of red and processed meats, sugary foods, and products high in saturated fats and salt. This approach is essential for public health, especially in preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which remain a leading cause of death across Europe.
Moreover, plant-based foods offer significant environmental benefits. They generally have lower greenhouse gas emissions and water footprints compared to animal-based products. Transitioning to plant-based diets would help the EU meet its climate goals, improve sustainability, and contribute to economic growth by reducing resource inefficiencies.
Unfortunately, the Commission’s vision falls short of acknowledging the full potential of plant-based foods, both in terms of health outcomes and environmental sustainability. This is a missed opportunity to drive meaningful change for both people and the planet.
EHN urges the Commission to revisit this vision and fully integrate plant-based foods into its strategy for a healthier and more sustainable future.
Learn more about the new EU Vision on Agriculture and Food.