Protéi'Sol

The Protéi'Sol addresses critical challenges in protein crop production and aims to reconnect plant and animal production systems at a territorial level. The project began in 2024 and is now underway. According to the French Ministry of Territories, Ecology, and Housing, soybean cultivation is a significant driver of deforestation, particularly in South America. Globally, the vast majority of produced soy—approximately 77%—is used for animal feed, while only 19.2% is destined for direct human consumption, and 3.8% for industrial uses such as biodiesel and lubricants.  Protéi’Sol directly addresses this issue by promoting the local production of protein-rich crops, reducing dependency on imported soy and its associated environmental impact. By encouraging the integration of legumes into crop rotations, the project enhances soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration while offering sustainable and economically viable alternatives for animal feed within regional supply chains. In medium, and long term, it generates economic, social, and environmental benefits, engaging local stakeholders, generating technical knowledge, and contributing to public policies on plant-based proteins and agricultural sustainability. Protéi'Sol is coordinated by Earthworm Foundation and brings together key agricultural and food system stakeholders including Groupe NORIAP   (agricultural cooperative), Terres Inovia  (technical expertise & agronomic research), Novial  (NORIAP’s feed manufacturing subsidiary) and Industrial & Retail Partners (Nestlé-Purina , Lidl France , Auchan , Groupement Mousquetaires ). The project receives financial support from the European Union and the Hauts-de-France Region .