EU Subsidies: Why Your Burger Costs Less Than Your Lentils
A new report reveals a startling imbalance in European Union agricultural policy: beef and lamb receive a staggering 580 times more in subsidies than legumes like lentils and beans. This disparity, highlighted by the charity Foodrise, raises serious questions about the EU’s commitment to sustainable food systems and public health.
The Scale of the Disparity
The analysis of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) shows that in 2020, beef and lamb were subsidized with €8 billion, while legumes received a mere €14 million. Pork received nearly 240 times more subsidies than legumes (€4.6 billion), and dairy products were subsidized 554 times more than nuts and seeds (€16 billion versus €29 million). Meat and dairy accounted for 77% of all CAP subsidies – a total of €39 billion out of €51 billion.
This isn’t a new revelation. Similar findings were published in a 2024 Nature Food study, and reinforced by recent academic research tracing subsidy flows through animal feed. Anniek Kortleve, a researcher at Leiden University, points out that the current system fails to account for the full chain of subsidies, focusing on direct payments to livestock farms rather than the broader impact of feed production.
Why the Imbalance?
The EU spends almost a third of its budget supporting farmers, but CAP funds are largely allocated based on farm size, not strategic considerations. Meat and dairy production, which require significant land for feed crops, naturally receive a larger share of the funding. This system disproportionately benefits livestock farming, even before considering the hidden societal costs like pollution.
The situation is further complicated by lobbying efforts from powerful farming groups and, as some suggest, political considerations. Martin Bowman, a campaigner at Foodrise, argues that politicians are actively involved in shaping food production and consumption patterns, dismissing claims that promoting healthier diets is simply about personal choice.
The Pushback and Emerging Trends
Despite the imbalance, there are signs of shifting awareness. A recent “strategic dialogue” initiated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that Europeans consume more animal protein than recommended and called for support to transition towards plant-rich diets. However, progress is leisurely.
Recent attempts to regulate plant-based food labeling – a November 2025 vote to ban terms like “steak” and “burger” for plant-based alternatives – demonstrate resistance to change. Green groups ridiculed the proposal, pointing to accepted terms like peanut butter, and some conservatives argued it violated free market principles.
The Economic and Environmental Case for Change
Experts like Donal Murphy-Bokern argue that Europe’s protein economy is “not operating within sustainable limits.” Reforming agricultural subsidies to incentivize plant-based protein production – beans, legumes, fruits, and vegetables – is seen as crucial for boosting food resilience and aligning with environmental and public health goals.
The current system actively props up a high-emissions industry at a time when scientists are urging a shift to lower-meat diets. Animal-based foods are estimated to cause between 81 and 86% of the embodied greenhouse gas emissions from EU food production, while providing only 32% of calories and 64% of protein consumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the CAP?
A: The Common Agricultural Policy is a system of agricultural subsidies and programs within the European Union.
Q: Why are meat and dairy so heavily subsidized?
A: Historically, subsidies have been linked to production volume and farm size, favoring larger-scale livestock operations.
Q: What impact does this have on consumers?
A: Subsidies artificially lower the price of meat and dairy, potentially discouraging the consumption of more sustainable plant-based alternatives.
Q: Is the EU doing anything to address this imbalance?
A: There is growing recognition of the need for reform, but progress is slow and faces resistance from powerful lobbying groups.
Did you grasp? Cows and sheep, requiring more land than pigs or chickens, benefit from subsidies targeting struggling regions and sectors, further exacerbating the imbalance.
Pro Tip: Support organizations like Foodrise that are advocating for a more sustainable and equitable food system.
What are your thoughts on the EU’s agricultural subsidies? Share your opinion in the comments below and explore our other articles on sustainable food systems for more insights.
