Tuesday, A “first-of-its-kind” all-star delegation, including representatives from Eat Just, Finless Foods, Impossible Foods, Next Gen Foods and Oatly, convened in Washington, DC to push for increased government funding and updated regulation of alternative proteins.
“The Good Food Institute is working to create a world where alternative proteins are no longer an option”
The invite-only “Future of Food” event, which also included representatives from the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and The Good Food Institute (GFI), met with policymakers, regulators and the media to discuss America’s leadership in creating more sustainable food. procedure.
Among the policies discussed, Industry leaders recommended the US government prioritize the following actions:
- Invest in the future of food through research, development and consumer education.
- Create a market and regulatory ecosystem that allows innovation and maintains US competitiveness.
- Prioritize good jobs and workforce development across the supply chain.
Driving economic growth
According to the group, Many of the most successful plant-based and cellular agriculture companies are founded and headquartered in the United States. With investment and regulatory certainty from the federal government, the alt protein sector can help create new jobs and support increased economic growth, the delegation says.
“The Good Food Institute is working to create a world where alternative protein is no longer an option,” said Bruce Friedrich, founder and president of GFI. “We believe the 118th Congress can help make that dream a reality. Together with our industry partners, including the companies that met today on Capitol Hill, GFI looks forward to sharing its policy priorities with congressional leaders.”
A “strong” opportunity
As Congress and federal agencies prepare for the 2023 Farm Bill, the fiscal year 2024 appropriations cycle and the goals outlined in President Biden’s National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative executive order, advocates say officials should pay special attention to the alternative protein sector and its potential. To solve some of America’s most pressing problems.
“The U.S. plant-based food industry is growing rapidly and PBFA and the brands gathered in Washington today want to ensure that American farmers and rural communities at the core of our food system reap the benefits,” said Rachel Dreskin, CEO of PBFA. “The Farm Bill represents a powerful opportunity for policymakers to strengthen infrastructure and enable farmers to become active participants and beneficiaries of a more sustainable and resilient food system.”