Nicosia, 20th of February 2026. Plant-Based Foods is both a business case for farmers, a vital part of European autonomy, as well as a way to reduce risks for investors.
These were among the conclusions of a high-level event, “Strengthening Europe’s Plant-Based Future: Experiences from Denmark and Prospects for Cyprus and the EU”, which took place in Nicosia just as Cyprus has taken over the Presidency of the European Council.
The overarching theme was how a plant-based food strategy could support farmers, enhance food security, and respond to environmental challenges.
In the opening statements, Marios Adamides, Head of Cabinet for the Ministry of Agriculture of Cyprus, underlined that diversification is a strategic necessity, while Jacob Jensen, Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, stated in a recorded video that plant-based foods are a core element in a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive agrifood sector in Europe.
Jacob Jensen explained how the Danish Plant-Based Food Grant supports the development of plant-based value chains, and the minister again put forward the Danish priority of an EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods.
Danish farmers were also present, and Anders Klöcker, Head of Innovation at the Danish Agriculture and Food Council, presented why farmers support the Danish plant-based policies and funding, stating that they are good measures to grow the plant-based foods market.
Dana Wilson from FAIRR explained that diversifying protein portfolios is today considered a risk management tool as climate change increase the risk of the current production.
Other speakers included, Professor George Gadanakis from Cyprus University of Technology, Dimitris Taliotis an olive grower from Aparthenasa, Andreas Pouros from A&E Solutions Consultants, Louisa Sofokleous and welcoming remarks by Olga Kikou, Director, Animal Advocacy & Food Transition, Dimitris Tsaltas, Professor and Chair of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Louiza Sophocleous from The Mighty Kitchen and Louise Johansen, Head of Programmes at The Vegetarian Society of Denmark.
The event is organised by Animal Advocacy & Food Transition, Cyprus University of Technology, and the Danish Plant-Based Diplomacy, and was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus.
——————————————-
This event was part of an EU project, which has received grants from the Green Development and Demonstration Programme (GUDP) under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries of Denmark.
