Feed producers brace for disruption as Europe accelerates push for soy self-sufficiency

Amid the ongoing trade war initiated by the United States, rising geopolitical tensions, climate change, and the new European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Europe’s heavy dependence on imported soy is coming under increasing scrutiny.

The EUDR poses a particular challenge for seafood producers, because soy -- a key ingredient in aquaculture feed -- is among the commodities regulated by the legislation.

The aquaculture industry has long shown interest in shifting toward European-produced soy, but the EUDR adds a strong incentive to prioritize local sourcing, Henrik Halken, vice president of Denmark-based feed group Aller Aqua, told IntraFish.