A recent report by the charity Foodrise revealed that in 2020, the European Union subsidized beef and lamb 580 times more than legumes. Pork received nearly 240 times more subsidies than legumes, while dairy was supported 554 times more than nuts and seeds. Foodrise criticized the EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) for favoring meat-heavy diets, which experts warn are unhealthy and harmful to the environment. The EU spends about one-third of its budget on farmer support, mostly based on farm size rather than strategic goals. Meat and dairy farming, which require growing crops to feed animals, receive a bigger share than plant-based foods. Martin Bowman from Foodrise called it "scandalous" that taxpayers fund such a high-emission industry while scientists urge lower-meat diets for better health and the planet. Data from an academic study, led by Leiden University researcher Anniek Kortleve, confirmed that CAP support heavily favors animal-based foods compared to plant proteins like legumes. She said, "Our analysis shows CAP support is highly concentrated in animal-sourced foods relative to the calories they provide, while plant proteins like legumes receive very little support." This is despite EU strategies promoting more plant-rich diets for health and sustainability. In 2020, subsidies totaled €39 billion for meat and dairy, €3.6 billion for fruits and vegetables, and €2.4 billion for cereals. Cows and sheep benefit from additional subsidies due to their land needs. Although some green conditions were added to subsidies from 2023, experts don’t expect major changes in farming types. In 2024, a strategic dialogue led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen admitted Europeans eat more animal protein than recommended. The call was made to support shifting diets toward plants. Agricultural scientist Donal Murphy-Bokern stated, "We now need a common agrifood policy that explicitly integrates environmental and public health goals into how EU farmers are supported." Despite this, large farming lobbies resist change. In November, the EU Parliament voted to ban plant-based foods from using terms like "steak" or "burger" unless they contain animal meat. This move was criticized by green groups as inconsistent and confusing. Martin Bowman said politicians play a big role in food production. "Don’t believe the meat and dairy companies who say that politicians promoting healthy and sustainable diets are telling people what to eat. It’s a very cynical position," he added.