The Innovative Strategies to Accelerate Adoption and Consumption of Plant-Based Food (ISAAP) project brings together partners from across Europe in order to develop legume-based products and promote plant-based food in catering.
This process includes working with national offices of ProVeg International based in Portugal and Czechia, which will play a central role in distributing the funds, and replicating and expanding strategies included in Denmark’s National Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods.
ISAAP will also utilise the expertise of farmers, researchers, caterers, NGOs and associations.
“ISAAP represents a joint effort to make plant-based foods more accessible, appealing, and sustainable across Europe,” said Jasmijn de Boo, CEO of ProVeg International.
“We are proud to collaborate with partners in creating real change that benefits farmers, industry, and consumers alike.”
In Portugal, ProVeg Portugal will be closely involved in stakeholder engagement, working alongside farmer organisations such as the Portuguese farmers confederation Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal (CAP), and producers organisation CERPRO.
Together with the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), it will also support the development of innovative legume-based products, building stronger connections between agriculture, research, and industry.
“Supporting Portuguese farmers to grow more legumes and connecting them with research and industry partners is a cornerstone of this project. Together with CAP, CERPRO, and UCP, we aim to strengthen local food systems and show how collaboration can drive real impact,” explained Joana Oliveira, country director of ProVeg Portugal.
“ISAAP gives us the chance to contribute to Portugal’s future food strategy while learning from our European partners. By engaging decisionmakers and working closely with farmers and researchers, we can create solutions that are sustainable, resilient, enhance food security and are beneficial for everyone.”
Meanwhile, ProVeg Czechia will focus on increasing access to plant-based meals in the foodservice sector. Together with Catering Zdravě and other partners, the team will support the development of new plant-based dishes, share expertise across the catering sector, and help expand industry event the New Food Forum.
“Our work in Czechia is about creating more opportunities for plant-based meals in partnership with caterers, policymakers, and innovators. The ISAAP consortium allows us to learn from others, share best practices, and together make sustainable food choices more accessible to everyone,” added Martin Ranninger, ProVeg Czechia’s country co-director.
