Portugal's Plant Protein Plan Tackles Food's 30% Ecological Impact

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Portugal just approved a national plant-based protein strategy that puts food at the center of climate action.

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Your dinner plate has a bigger carbon footprint than your car - food accounts for 30% of Portugal's ecological impact vs. 21-22% for transportation.

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Animal products alone cause 49% of Portugal's food-related environmental damage, prompting this bold government move.

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Portugal currently imports 86% of its legumes, creating a massive economic opportunity for farmers to grow sustainable protein.

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Legumes aren't just good for the planet - they're packed with protein, iron, fiber, and nutrients linked to lower heart disease risk.

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The plan expands plant-based meals in schools and hospitals while supporting farmers to transition to climate-friendly crops.

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Agriculture creates 12% of Portugal's greenhouse gases, with animal farming being a major contributor the strategy aims to address.

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What might your plate look like in 2026? Experts suggest capping red meat at just 98g weekly to align with planetary health.

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Denmark, Germany and Netherlands already have similar policies - will Portugal's move inspire an EU-wide protein transformation?

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"This is a meaningful step towards transforming the country's food system," says Joana Oliveira of ProVeg Portugal.

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