Problem
Projections show that by 2050, there will be nearly ten billion people on the planet and global milk and meat consumption could increase by up to 70%. Unchecked growth would have disastrous consequences for animal welfare, our climate, the environment and food security.
Livestock production already accounts for around 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions and studies show that the Paris climate goals are unlikely to be met without a shift away from conventional livestock production.
In addition, factory farming promotes the development of multi-resistant bacteria through the overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance already causes 700,000 deaths per year worldwide, a figure that could rise to 10 million deaths per year by 2050 if no action is taken, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Solution
A growing body of evidence demonstrates the potential of alternative proteins to reduce environmental impact, improve public health, and ensure food security. For instance:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Cultivated meat could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 92% compared to conventional meat, particularly when produced using renewable energy GFI.
Land Use: Cultivated meat production may reduce land use by up to 90%, significantly lowering the environmental footprint of meat production GFI.
Antibiotic Use: Cultivated meat is expected to be produced entirely without antibiotics, potentially reducing antibiotic resistance and foodborne illnesses GFI.
GFI India works to “identify the most effective solutions, mobilize resources, and empower partners across the food system to make alternative proteins accessible, affordable, and delicious.”
Alternative proteins offer a sustainable, scalable, and healthful solution to the problems posed by conventional animal agriculture. By advancing scientific research, fostering public-private partnerships, and advocating for supportive policies, GFI India is working to create a thriving ecosystem for alternative proteins in India.
Good Food Institute's Impact
GFI India has emerged as a pivotal force in food innovation, weaving together science, policy, and entrepreneurship to reimagine alternate protein production. They have been impactful in many different ways:
Bridging Science and Policy
GFI India's relentless political advocacy culminated in a landmark achievement in 2023 when alternative proteins were officially recognized as one of six priorities under the National Biomanufacturing Policy. By engaging with the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research and key ministries, they opened doors for ground breaking research in Alternate Proteins.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
Through the India Smart Protein Innovation Challenge, GFI India established a first-of-its-kind challenge in the world to address global whitespaces and bottlenecks in the smart protein sector through a mentor driven program that builds investment-ready startups.
Building a Skilled Workforce for Tomorrow
Recognizing that innovation requires talent, GFI India is connecting students, scientists, and academicians with institutional and for-profit opportunities to create a consortium of research talent pools that can ignite the next generation of smart protein innovation.
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