Pea and rapeseed acreage and land use for plant-based meat alternatives in the EU

Plant-based meat alternatives from grain legumes and oil crops are expected to play an increasing role in human nutrition. Several commercially available products use pea protein isolate as basis rapeseed lipid basis. The aim of the present study is estimate prospective area peas for plant-based EU. A simple calculation model employed assess impacts on land imported deforestation, case substitute consumption different shares. Various data sources scenarios were used cultivation potential. While acreage would increase considerably compared current production, additional be more limited. Even extreme scenario 100% substitution only 12% EU’s arable main ingredients alternative. If plan-based increase, currently animal feed production become partly deforestation could decreased: a 25% allow provide equivalent food proteins without extending cultivated areas Europe, while avoiding soybean maize imports feed.