UK Government urged to back alternative proteins in fight against climate change

A new UK report says governments around the world are recognizing the need to incubate the alternative protein sector. Social Market Foundations has just released a new report calling on the UK government to invest in alternative proteins to meet its climate targets.

Raising cows, sheep and chicken contributes to carbon emissions and to meet its climate targets. Britain will need to reduce meat consumption, the paper said.

One study has suggested plan-based substitutes have a greenhouse gas emission footprint up to 93% smaller than conventional meat production. However, the report observes that despite the growing popularity of diets and products designed to reduce how much meat is in the diet, meat consumption is not falling quickly. It said the UK today consumes only 6% less meat per capita in the home than in 1974.

The report significantly said policy interventions will be needed to help consumers change their buying and eating habits more quicky. Political conversation has so far focused on the purpose of taxing people into reducing meat consumption, but also governments around the world are recognizing the need to incubate the alternative protein sector, given the high risk, multi-disciplinary nature of R&D and the potential benefits to the public finances, economy, human health, and the environment.

The government can help deliver a thriving alternative protein market by providing funding for a new research cluster and strategic support for the industry. The global race for alternative proteins is on and the UK should be leading the change.

Source: Food Navigator                    Date: September 7, 2021

Effects on Costa Rica exports

Plant-based proteins continue to dominate the so-called ‘alternative protein’ category, new options are emerging, and consumers are trying to eat more plant-based products and they are looking for more variety and options beyond the bun. Governments and companies need to invest to generate new alternatives and commercial opportunities.

As noticed above, this is a clear example that the food industry will require more from the business sector, like greater differentiation and innovation to attract the consumer and more R&D to develop substitute foods for animal products. Costa Rican companies can offer a variety of crops to this category, so as support in research to better understand the potential uses and food nutrition content of this products. Companies can work to include elements of sustainability and traceability, as well as innovation in its products that help them stay in an increasingly competitive market.

If you are interested in learning more about Costa Rica’s food industry and its world-class standards, please let us know at unitedkingdom@procomer.com