The European Commission’s new strategy for food research and innovation highlights the potential of alternative proteins and fermentation to address climate change, food security, and sustainability. It recognizes the benefits of these technologies but does not allocate specific funding to improve their taste, texture, and cost. The strategy aims to scale up fermentation capacity and strengthen links between researchers and industry but relies on private investment rather than direct financial support. It also proposes regulatory sandboxes to aid pre-market approvals, though novel foods are currently excluded. While the EU has previously committed €350 million to food and biotech innovation, critics argue its policies lack consistency, such as excluding protein crops for human use and restricting plant-based labeling. The strategy is expected to guide future research investments but falls short of providing concrete financial measures.
Source: EU Research Strategy Ignores Funding for Alternative Protein Despite Scale-Up Goals
