Reflections From Copenhagen: Plant Food Summit 2025

In October 2025 I travelled to Copenhagen on behalf of the Malta Youth in Agriculture Foundation to attend the Plant Food Summit. The event was held on 20 and 21 October and organised by the Danish Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries during Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Coming from Malta, where farms are small and the local production of protein crops is very limited, the discussions were both relevant and eye opening.

Denmark’s clear direction

Denmark presented its new national Action Plan for Plant Based Foods. To my knowledge it is the first national strategy anywhere that focuses fully on plant based foods. This is striking because Denmark is known for food traditions that rely heavily on meat and dairy.

The plan focuses strongly on cooperation across different parts of the food system. It brings together farmers, food companies, public institutions, cities and regions. One measure that stood out for me requires all meals funded by public money to contain a high share of plant based foods. This gives producers and food companies a direct reason to invest in new crops, new fermentation methods and new approaches to preparing food.

Europe’s dependence on imported feed

A major theme throughout the summit was Europe’s dependence on imported protein feed. Although Europe produces enough calories overall, the meat and dairy sectors still rely heavily on imported soy and other protein feeds. Without these imports, many intensive livestock systems would struggle.

Encouraging Europeans to eat more plant based protein would reduce this dependence and make the food system more sustainable. For Malta, which imports nearly all feed for livestock, this challenge is very familiar.

The question of farmer transition

My main question during the summit was how farmers who produce meat, eggs or dairy can shift to growing plant protein crops. The challenge is not only cultural or technical. It is also economic. Livestock production usually brings in higher revenue per hectare than plant protein crops. Even if the crops provide more edible protein per hectare, farmers still need to make a living.

This does not mean change is impossible. If national governments and EU funding programmes support farmers in making this transition, the shift can begin. One idea discussed at the summit was the concept of Plant Based Diplomacy. The idea is not to push for a fully plant based Europe. Instead it aims to open a practical and respectful conversation about increasing the share of plant based foods in the system. The message is simple: more plants, not no animals.

A direction for Europe and Malta

If this inclusive approach remains central, Europe can increase plant based production and consumption without creating conflict with farmers or food cultures.

For Malta, where agriculture faces strong economic pressure and very limited land, the Danish example offers useful lessons. Cooperation, innovation and clear incentives can help farmers take part in the future of protein production.

Representing MaYA at the Plant Food Summit gave me a clear picture of how Europe is starting to reshape its food system. I returned home convinced that Malta should be part of this discussion and that our farmers deserve support as these changes unfold.

About the author: Kurt Mifsud is a Maltese gastronome and founder of the Mediterranean Culinary Academy. He studied at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and is strongly committed to promoting local products and working closely with farmers and breeders to strengthen Malta’s food system.