Published in News
Germany’s Meat Industry Warns: Prepare for More Protein Demand
German meat leaders say the world will need more animal protein by 2050, and they want clear government support to produce it in a climate-friendly way.
Martina Osmak
Director of Marketing
Demand for Animal Protein Is Growing
At a recent industry meeting in Berlin, experts said global demand for animal protein will rise strongly in the coming decades.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) expects demand in 2050 to be about 20% higher than in 2020. The main reasons are:
Growing world population
Rising incomes in developing countries
Changing diets
Dominik Wisser from FAO said animal protein will continue to play an important role in healthy and balanced diets worldwide.
The Climate Challenge
More demand also means more pressure on the environment.
The key question is: How can production increase while emissions decrease?
Industry representatives say the answer includes:
Better animal health
Improved breeding
Higher-quality feed
More efficient farming systems
They argue that modern livestock farming can reduce greenhouse gas emissions if the right technology and management are used.
Germany’s Position
The event was organized by the Verband der Fleischwirtschaft (VDF), Germany’s meat industry association.
According to the VDF, Germany already has:
High animal welfare standards
Climate-efficient production
Strong technical expertise
Martin Müller, CEO of VDF, said Germany is well prepared. However, he warned that the sector needs political support to stay competitive.
What the Industry Wants
The association is asking for several policy steps:
Practical and clear licensing rules
Financial support programs for farmers
Fast implementation of Germany’s agricultural export strategy
The industry believes these measures are necessary to protect jobs, skills and food security.
Concern About “Carbon Leakage”
The VDF also warned against reducing livestock production too much in Germany.
If production moves to countries with lower environmental standards, global emissions could rise instead of fall. This is known as carbon leakage.
Industry leaders say keeping strong domestic production helps:
Maintain high environmental standards
Protect local expertise
Support full use of the animal in meat production
A Political Turning Point?
The discussion took place during the Parliamentary Evening in Berlin on January 28, 2026. Representatives from government, parliament and the meat sector attended.
According to Müller, the federal government now appears more open to supporting livestock farming again.
The Bigger Picture
The debate shows a larger global issue:
The world needs more food.
Climate goals must still be met.
Farmers need economic stability.
Germany’s meat industry says it is ready to meet these challenges — but only if policies support sustainable production at home.
Source: https://www.thepigsite.com/news/2026/02/german-meat-sector-warns-of-rising-protein-demand