INTERVIEW Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2025 53 able feed in aquaculture as a critical and promising step in the right direction. Once again, the positioning of China in this regard, teaches a valuable lesson to Europe. My advice to the entire alternative protein ecosystem is built on two core principles: The first is to collaborate, not compete. Our shared goal is to displace unsustainable conventional proteins, not each other. There is more than enough room for plantbased, fermented, and insect proteins to co-exist and complement one another. At IPIFF, we embody this through our work in the InnovProtein EU Alliance with partners from the yeast and algae sectors, and by aligning with key industries like animal and pet food production. Together, we build a more resilient and sustainable future. The second is to champion transparency and science. Trust is our most valuable currency, and we must build it through rigorous, independent science and honest communication—openly discussing both the profound benefits and the existing challenges of our solutions. Finally, looking at IPIFF's own agenda, what will be your top priorities in dialogue with EU policymakers in the coming years? IPIFF is engaging with EU policymakers to ensure the upcoming financial and policy frameworks unlock the full potential of the insect sector. Our focus is on three strategic priorities for 2028-2032: Champion a Smart Regulatory Framework: We are leading the call to authorise a wider range of organic side-streams for insect feed. This is the single most important step to unlock the sector's circular potential and global competitiveness. While our academic members generate the necessary science, we must urgently address the regulatory bottlenecks that currently hinder progress. Set Sustainable Standards for the Agri-Food Sector: The EU must apply its sustainability ambition to food systems as it has for energy and transport. The future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Fisheries Policy must incorporate mandatory sustainability criteria for feed and fertiliser, creating a guaranteed market for EU-made, sustainable ingredients like ours. Promote Our Circular Products: We are ensuring that insect frass is recognised as a high-quality, circular fertiliser. The upcoming revision of the EU Fertilising Products Regulation is a direct opportunity to create an EU-wide market for this bio-solution, boosting both farmers and our producers. Securing Strategic Status for the Insect Sector: The Net-Zero Industry Act and Clean Industrial Deal already prioritise the very circular, bio-based solutions that insect production delivers. Granting our sector strategic status is the essential next step to unlock the public and private investment needed to scale up and meet shared EU policy goals. The foundation is laid; now is the time to build. We advocate for concrete measures to translate policy alignment into action: Create Binding Market Demand: Introduce minimum incorporation rates for insect protein in animal feed. This market-driven mechanism is crucial for de-risking investments and scaling production. Ensure Direct Support for Insect Farmers: The upcoming Protein Strategy must follow the precedent of the 2018 Plant Protein Report, ensuring our producers are explicitly recognised and supported under the CAP post-2027. Modernise Regulation for Competitiveness: Expand Substrate Authorisations: Fast-track the approval of a broader range of safe, validated agri-food side-streams. Streamline the Novel Food Process: Reform the current opaque and inefficient system to prevent delays that put European companies and jobs at risk.
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