Dear Commission President von der Leyen
CC: Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans, Commissioners Virginijus Sinkevičius, Janusz Wojciechowski, Paolo Gentiloni
We call on you to make a €25 billion ‘moonshot’ investment between now and 2030 to fuel a rapid protein transition and make Europe a world leader in the crucial technology of sustainable proteins.
Animal agriculture, the largest single cause of biodiversity loss worldwide and a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, needs our attention.
We are standing on the cusp of a technological revolution, a food revolution unprecedented since the dawn of farming thousands of years ago.
This revolution, led by the rapidly evolving sector of animal-free protein production, leaves Europe with a choice: to invest now and reap the benefits, or to dither and delay whilst the rest of the world takes the lead.
About 35 percent of habitable land in the world is used for livestock production,
and 36 percent of all crop calories grown around the world are used for animal feed.
The production of sustainable proteins is more efficient than traditional animal husbandry, requiring less water, less cerael crops, less fertilizer and less land.
the demand for meat is putting extreme pressures on ancient ecosystems such as the Amazon
Sustainable protein production offers us a path forward. It encompasses 3 crucial areas of innovation:
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plant-based meat/dairy,
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precision fermentation,
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cultivated meat,
These groundbreaking technologies have the potential to displace the negative side effects of traditional animal agriculture at scale.
More soy goes into raising a chicken than a soy based chicken subsitute.
Sustainable Proteins?
In a world facing pressing environmental challenges, the emergence of sustainable proteins marks a groundbreaking shift towards a more sustainable and ethical food system.
These innovative protein sources offer promising alternatives to traditional animal-based products, reducing environmental impact, and promoting a healthier, more compassionate approach to food production.
Discover the three key pillars driving the sustainable protein revolution: plant-based meat replacements, precision fermentation, and cultured meat.
Plant based
Precision fermentation
Cultured meat
Not your regular old veggieburger. These innovative products, some of which are already on the market, are made from ingredients like legumes, grains, and vegetables. These plant-based meats provide mouthwatering alternatives that replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of traditional meat and dairy products.
Precision fermentation is a cutting-edge technology that harnesses the power of microorganisms to brew proteins that are biologically identical to those found in animal products.
It also boasts a proven track record, with applications in global-scale production of essential products like insulin, rennet, and citric acid.
Sometimes seen as the holy grail of meat alternatives, cultured meat, represents a revolutionary advancement in sustainable protein production. Through a process that involves cultivating animal cells in a bioreactor, real meat is produced without the need for raising and slaughtering animals.
*combining these approaches is also possible. For example, a plant based bacon strip could have precision fermented pigfats to add flavour and smells.
Precision fermentation, in particular, holds incredible promise as it allows us to create proteins that are identical to those found in meat and dairy products.
By partnering with the microscopic world, we can produce animal-free alternatives that melt, smell, and taste just like the real thing.
The benefits of the protein transition are immense.
By embracing sustainable proteins, we can reduce meat-related climate impacts by up to 92%.
Economically, a fully deployed sustainable protein sector could add $1.1 trillion in value and create up to 9.8 million green jobs worldwide by 2050.
Farmers will have new avenues to explore, from producing plant-based ingredients to receiving Ecosystem Services Payments for carbon sequestered on rewilded land.
This transition will also unlock unprecedented opportunities for nature restoration & carbon drawdown, allowing us to rewild vast areas of land currently used for livestock feed & farming.
Moonshot?
Moonshot investments represent ambitious and visionary endeavors that aim to tackle major societal challenges through breakthrough innovations.
Inspired by the audacity of the Apollo moon landing, these investments require long-term commitment, substantial funding, and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Tackling the pandemic
When the COVID pandemic hit the world, there was scepticism wether a vaccine could be developed fast enough. Governments, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies invested significant resources to accelerate the timeline and save lives. Several vaccines were developed in record times. Such moonshots exemplify the power of collective effort in addressing urgent global crises.
Tackling climate change
Governments and businesses worldwide have committed resources to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources. Advancements in solar, wind, nuclear and battery technologies have been made possible through moonshot investments, driving innovation and making clean energy more accessible and cost-effective.
Improving our understanding
Moonshot investments have also played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the world. The moonshot led to the development on information technology, climate modeling, satellite data and more. These have made visible issues formerly invisible such as ozone layer breakdown and climate change. These areas have fueled groundbreaking scientific advancements, addressing challenges, transforming industries and improving lives.
Europe has been a global leader in transitioning to clean energy technologies, it must now invest in new sustainable food technologies
Nations such as Singapore, Canada, the USA, Israel, Japan, and China are already leading the world in sustainable protein research, development, and commercialization.
It's disheartening to see Europe lag behind, with major member states withholding public investment and even considering bans on cultivated meat.
We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past, where we watched other industries thrive while we fell behind. The protein revolution is inevitable, and now it's a matter of fundamental food security for our continent.
Europe must reclaim its position as a pioneer and lead the food revolution.
OPEN LETTER
Ursula von der Leyen, leadership of Europe,
We call on you to make a €25 billion ‘moonshot’ investment between now and 2030 to fuel a rapid protein transition and make Europe a world leader in the crucial technology of sustainable proteins.
We cannot achieve this transformation without immediate action.
We call upon you to commit to an investment of €25 billion by 2030, turbocharging the development and commercialization of a European sustainable protein industry. This figure represents just 5% of the committed funds under the Green Deal Investment Plan and pales in comparison to the public funds projected to be spent through the Common Agriculture Policy.
By investing in sustainable proteins, we are ensuring a future where nutritious and affordable diets are accessible to all. Join us in signing the petition and supporting this crucial cause.
Supporting our open letter
We are proud to have garnered support from leading organizations and individuals who share our vision of a sustainable protein future. Their dedication and expertise validate the importance of this cause. Join us and add your voice to the growing movement.
Supporting our open letter
We are proud to have garnered support from leading organizations and individuals who share our vision of a sustainable protein future. Their dedication and expertise validate the importance of this cause. Join us and add your voice to the growing movement.
George Monbiot
AUTHOR COLUMNIST
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Michel Vandenbosch
GAIA
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More coming
upon public launch
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Mark Lynas
AUTHOR COLUMNIST
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Nic Balthazar
FILM MAKER, ACTIVIST
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Rutger Bregman
AUTHOR HISTORIAN
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Ira Van Eelen
RESPECTFARMS
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Jane Goodall Institute
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Olivier Honnay
PROFESSOR ECOLOGY KULEUVEN
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