Even before the current Covid-19 pandemic, the cultivation of protein crops in Austria, their development potential and the associated security of supply have become the focus of numerous discussions and initiatives. Despite increased cultivation areas in Austria (e.g. doubling of soybean cultivation areas), there is still a dependency on imports for vegetable protein. One aim of the Protein Strategy 2030 presented in July 2021 is to secure the protein supply in Austria. Although the production of oil and protein crops was well mapped during the development of the protein strategy, there is a lack of current figures, data and facts in the processing sector. In addition to an analysis of the current situation, the potential for the processing of oil and protein crops is also to be considered and possible options for action identified. In 2022, as part of the implementation of the protein strategy, a focus will be placed on the area of processing in Austria. A round table with all relevant stakeholders is planned on this topic, which will be organized by AGES. There are links to the updating of the Austrian (protein) feed balance, which will be dealt with as part of a separate Covid project/feed balance.
Objective
The project is based on a direct recommendation of the final report of the protein strategy with the aim of surveying and analyzing the processing and processing capacities in the field of protein crops in Austria to improve the representability of the value chain.
Due to the close links between the sectors, the oil plant sector will also be analyzed.In particular, the project aims to present the current national processing capacities for the various areas of use (food and animal feed) and to identify possible development potential.In this way, the surveys and analyses should also contribute to an improved presentation of supply balances.
Work 2024
Due to the unplanned and short-term work for the BML in 2022 and 2023 in connection with the various crises (Corona, Ukraine, crisis management team) and their consequences (energy crisis and inflation), area and database transfer from the LFRZ (ALFIS) and changes in other work to be carried out as a priority for the Ministry, the project will be extended by a further year.
- Literature research
- Development of a survey design to determine current treatment and processing capacities and their potential in Austria
- Recording of respondents and implementation of the survey and organization of expert meetings
- Compilation of the results, analysis and graphical presentation and preparation of a final report
Schedule
Project start: 01/2022
Project end: 12/2024
