Key Takeaways:
- Innovate UK and BBSRC’s £15.6 million investment in 32 innovative low-emission food production projects.
- Focus on alternative proteins, enhanced production processes, and vertical farming for sustainability.
- Establishment of an innovation and knowledge center (IKC) to boost the alternative proteins sector.
Revolutionizing the Future of Food Production
Innovate UK and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have made a strategic £15.6 million investment in 32 projects aimed at transforming the food industry, especially in response to the needs of a rapidly growing global population.
Catalyzing Sustainable Diets and Diversifying Food Systems
These projects emphasize the development of alternative proteins, such as plant-based and lab-grown options, which are more sustainable in terms of land and water use and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the “Tools and Technologies for Cultured Meat Production” led by Cell Guidance Systems Limited is one such initiative.
Enhancing Cultivated Meat Production
Efforts to improve cultivated meat production processes focus on creating nutrient-rich and cost-effective food products. MarraBio Limited’s project, “High Potency Food Grade Growth Factor Mimics for Cultivated Meat Manufacture,” is a prime example, aiming to refine the ingredients used in cultivated meat. Additionally, the “InSAFE” project by the University of Leeds supports the burgeoning UK insect farming industry.
Innovating with Vertical Farming
Projects like “Vertical Farming and Storage Technologies (V-FAST)” led by UK Urban AgriTech and “GyroPlant: Making TCEA Farms Sustainable” by GyroPlant Ltd are exploring innovative vertical farming solutions. These initiatives aim to optimize space and resource efficiency, enable year-round local production, and minimize environmental impact. Another notable project is “Advanced Crop Dynamic Control (ACDC) for Sustainable Leaf Protein Production in Vertical Farms” by LettUs Grow Ltd, which uses cutting-edge technology to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of indoor farming systems.
Fueling Growth in the UK’s Alternative Proteins Sector
The establishment of an innovation and knowledge center (IKC) by BBSRC and Innovate UK underscores their commitment to advancing the alternative proteins sector. This center will facilitate research and innovation while encouraging collaboration within this burgeoning field.
Diverse Innovations for a Healthier Future
Dr. Stella Peace from Innovate UK highlights the diversity and impact of these innovations, aimed at future-proofing food production and manufacturing in the UK’s agri-food sector.
Aligning with Global Sustainable Agriculture Goals
Professor Guy Poppy of BBSRC underscores the investment’s significance in aligning with the UK’s commitment to the COP28 declaration on sustainable agriculture. This move demonstrates UKRI’s dedication to leveraging research and innovation to address global challenges.
Discover the other project in the official press release by UKRI here.
Photo by Red Zeppelin on Unsplash
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