The European Union (EU) is diving into the plant-based food scene with a new project funded by €2.2 million. Launched on September 3, 2025, the initiative is named Innovative Strategies to Accelerate Adoption and Consumption of Plant-Based Food (ISAAP). This project is part of the EU’s Food Impact Funding Framework, led by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
Running until August 2027, ISAAP brings together partners from Portugal, Czechia, and Denmark. One of its main goals is to promote healthier and more sustainable food systems. It will build upon Denmark’s National Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods, serving as a model for other EU countries.
In Portugal, ProVeg International will collaborate with the Portuguese farmers’ confederation and other local organizations to support farmers. The Universidade Católica Portuguesa is also on board, working on innovative legume-based products and fostering connections between agriculture and industry.
In Czechia, ProVeg will work to enhance access to plant-based meals in restaurants. They’ll partner with Catering Zdravě to develop new plant-based dishes and share knowledge across the food service sector.
As Jasmijn de Boo, global CEO of ProVeg International, put it, “ISAAP is a collective effort to make plant-based foods more available and appealing.”
This venture comes at a significant time. A recent survey indicates that 60% of Europeans are interested in trying plant-based diets, reflecting a growing awareness of health and environmental issues. Interest in plant-based eating has surged in social media, with hashtags like #PlantBased and #VeganFood trending globally. This movement is not just about personal health; it also addresses climate change and sustainability.
Plant-based diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Researchers estimate that if everyone in Europe shifted to plant-based diets, emissions from food could drop by nearly 50%. So, projects like ISAAP are more than just about food; they’re about a healthier planet.
For further reading on the benefits of plant-based diets, check the World Health Organization’s guidance.
