Greater targeted research funding would support addressing uncertainties and knowledge gaps, helping to mitigate some of the risks associated with investing in alternative protein development. It could also be instrumental in driving the necessary innovations that may address the most problematic aspects of some of the alternative protein sources such as energy consumption, texture and taste optimisation and scale-up processes.

 

This option would provide direct EU funding through Horizon Europe or successor programmes for targeted research:

 

• Advancing alternative protein production and processing technologies. The aims are to improve alternative protein properties related to texture, taste, safety, production costs and efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
• Assessing the impacts of alternative proteins in areas where knowledge gaps currently exist, such as safety, environmental sustainability, nutritional profiles, and challenges related to processing methods and scaling up production. Improvements to lifecycle assessment standards and methods would also aid environmental impact assessments.

 

Grants would support academic and industry consortia to undertake projects from basic research through piloting and demonstration levels. Knowledge and technologies developed would be made available through open access publishing and data requirements to inform better decision-making by authorities and policy makers.

 

Funding would complement existing national programmes and help coordinate efforts for greater impact. Multi-disciplinary consortia and private-sector participation would be essential.

 

This option aligns with EU research policy focused on challenge-driven, collaborative projects generating accessible results. It complements the European Green Deal, Farm to Fork Strategy, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, Public-Private Partnerships supported by the EU Industrial Strategy, and other initiatives promoting sustainable and resilient food systems.

 

The European Commission DG RTD would lead policy design and implementation, with inputs from other DGs and EU agencies (e.g. EFSA, EEA) on priority research areas.

 

As an expansion of existing Horizon Europe funding or integration into successor programmes, this option leverages familiar and feasible implementation mechanisms. As a demand-driven opportunity, funded projects are likely to address alternative protein innovation needs.

 

Advantages

• High relevance to all four alternative protein sectors, targeting all relevant aspects of R&D needs
• Accelerates advancement of production and processing technologies through strategic investment
• Provides missing evidence to clarify regulatory pathways
• Promotes knowledge diffusion through open-access provisions
• Fosters public-private collaboration
• Facilitates comparing alternatives to inform policymaking on sustainable protein transitions
• Provides flexibility to fund projects on multiple alternative proteins based on research quality
• Operates within the existing legislative framework

 

Disadvantages

• Risks overlap with existing national-level funding initiatives
• Depends on engaging industry experts needed to design robust research
• Businesses may be reluctant to engage in research they could not appropriate / patent the results from
• Businesses may resist openly sharing some proprietary data

 

Outcomes

It will directly assist in developing and advancing technological innovations that enhance product quality and commercial viability, and produce evidence and data to support regulatory approval and mainstream adoption.

 

Beneficiaries

It provides direct support to alternative protein companies to accelerate development, and insights to authorities and policymakers guiding sustainability transitions.