Bitkisel protein kaynakları sadece insan beslenmesi değil, hayvancılığın sürdürülebilirliği için de stratejik bir değer taşıyor.

Neurobiologist / Founder of Localvore Biotechnology

"Plant-based protein sources hold strategic value not only for human nutrition but also for the sustainability of livestock farming."

Title:

| Looking at the Forest, Not the Trees: A Realistic Perspective on Plant-Based Proteins and Livestock

Looking at the Forest, Not the Trees: A Realistic Perspective on Plant-Based Proteins and Livestock

Sometimes, I believe that looking at the future through a different—but realistic—lens is the only way forward.

Rather than getting caught up in endless debates, I want to shift the conversation around plant-based proteins and livestock by using a broader, more holistic perspective—looking at the forest, not just the trees.

Two Interconnected Truths About the Future

Global reports highlight two major, interconnected realities about the future of humanity:

The world population will continue to grow rapidly, and with that,
Our need for protein—even more than carbohydrates and fats—will surge significantly.

According to future projections, we will need 75% more protein than we currently consume. This dramatic rise in protein demand is not solely due to population growth. The real driver is the increase in global prosperity.

As developing countries evolve into emerging economies, and nations like Turkey transition toward developed status, meat, milk, eggs, and other protein-rich foods are being consumed in greater quantities. The real story behind the numbers is clear: rising prosperity drives rising protein consumption.

A Glimpse into Europe: What It Tells Us

In the 2023–2024 period, the European Union consumed 64 million tons of protein, of which 19 million tons were imported.

This isn’t just a European concern. It’s a direct wake-up call for countries like Turkey that rely heavily on imported protein sources, especially soy.

The Strategic Role of Plant-Based Proteins in Agriculture

Soybeans, lentils (green and red), chickpeas, fava beans, beans, sunflower seeds—these protein-rich crops are becoming increasingly vital.

Why?

They reduce dependence on imports for livestock feed
They increase crop yield the following year (thanks to nitrogen fixation by legumes)
They support both plant and animal agriculture simultaneously
And they’re a natural, sustainable source of essential nutrients

It’s worth noting: in many studies, planting legumes can boost the yield of cereals planted in the same field the next year by up to 30%. In other words, plant-based proteins are not just nutrition—they are productivity boosters in agriculture.