Agriculture / Agribusiness: Latest News 2023 - vegconomist: the vegan business magazine

Brewed Protein silk© spiber.jp

ADM and Spiber Sign New Agreement to Support Regenerative Farming of Brewed Protein in Iowa

September 17, 2022September 17, 2022

Agribusiness leader ADM and biotech company Spiber announce a new joint agreement to support the adoption of regenerative farming practices for Spiber’s Brewed Protein™. Through the agreement, the companies will work with corn farmers in Iowa to implement sustainable farming practices for the production of Spiber’s biomaterials. Made from corn-based dextrose, Brewed Protein is a next-generation polymer that replaces petroleum-derived materials in a variety of applications, ranging from clothing to car seats. ADM and Spiber first partnered in 2020 to build a manufacturing facility in Clinton, IA to convert corn dextrose into Brewed Protein using ADM’s massive microbial fermentation capabilities. Now, both companies are working to expand the environmental impact of Brewed Protein by encouraging Iowa farmers to adopt regenerative farming practices such as the …

©Compassion in World Farming

Switzerland to Vote on Abolition of Factory Farming Next Week

September 15, 2022

The people of Switzerland will take a vote next week regarding the banning of factory farming as part of an initiative which also demands that the dignity of farm animals is protected as a constitutional requirement. Text of the initiative The text of the initiative states that the federal government would have to set stricter minimum requirements for animal-friendly housing and care, access to the outdoors, slaughtering practices and the maximum group size per pen. The requirements state that all farms would have to comply with the new rules in their animal husbandry and would apply to the import of animals and animal products as well as foods with ingredients of animal origin. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Switzerland to lead …

President Joe Biden Alternative Proteins

©The White House

President Biden Issues Executive Order Supporting the Advancement of Cultured Meat

September 14, 2022

This week, President Biden signed an executive order aimed at advancing US leadership in biotechnology and biomanufacturing, which includes exploring new innovations in the agricultural sector, and specifically mentions the advancement of alternative proteins. In the order, Biden directs the heads of relevant government agencies to submit reports assessing diverse fields of biotechnology within 180 days to explore their potential impact on medicine, climate change, and food production. Regarding agriculture it reads: “The Secretary of Agriculture… shall submit a report assessing how to use biotechnology and biomanufacturing for food and agriculture innovation, including by improving sustainability and land conservation; increasing food quality and nutrition; increasing and protecting agricultural yields; protecting against plant and animal pests and diseases; and cultivating alternative food sources.” Growing a “bioeconomy” …

©Plant Based Foods Association

PBFA Launches New Institute to Drive Transition to Plant-Based Food System

September 12, 2022September 8, 2022

The Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) announces the launch of a sister non-profit, The Plant Based Foods Institute (PBFI.) Led by food systems experts and industry pioneers, the Institute aims to drive transition to a plant-based food system by advancing key business and policy initiatives. While the PBFA works to expand access to plant-based foods in the marketplace, PBFI’s goal is to cultivate solutions that shift government policies, agricultural practices, and demand toward a regenerative plant-based food system. To accomplish this, the organization will work with stakeholders to identify and implement effective strategies and approaches. Its board members include: Rachel Dreskin, CEO, PBFI and PBFA Jaime Athos, CEO, The Tofurky Company Matt Dunaj, CFO & VP of Operations, Follow Your Heart Tyler Whitely, Director, Transfarmation …

©Pulse Canada

International Legume Society to Host Series of Public Webinars

August 23, 2022

The International Legume Society has announced a series of public webinars on topics related to legume cultivation and improvement. The webinars will take place on Microsoft Teams on a monthly basis, usually on the first Tuesday of the month. The full list is as follows: Christian Huyghe (INRAE, France) – Perspectives, opportunities, challenges and burning research issues for legume crops in Europe – Sep. 6, 2022, 4 pm CET Petr Smykal (Palacky Univ., Olomouc, Czech Republic) – Domestication history of crop grain legumes – Oct. 4, 2022, 4 pm CET Julia Buitink (INRAE, France) – Improving the seed vigour of legumes – Nov. 8, 2022, 4 pm CET Michael Nickerson (Univ. of Saskatchewan, Canada) – Pulse protein functionality, nutritional quality and utilization in the food …

ADM and New Culture Announce Strategic Partnership to Scale Animal-Free Mozzarella and Dairy Products

August 18, 2022August 17, 2022

Agribusiness leader ADM and animal-free dairy company New Culture are forming a strategic partnership to accelerate the commercialization of alt-dairy foods. The partnership will include joint product development and scaling of New Culture’s animal-free casein and dairy innovations, which are expected to launch in US food service in 2023. Founded in New Zealand, New Culture creates animal-free dairy products using precision fermentation techniques that produce casein, one of the primary proteins found in cow’s milk. By making casein without cows, New Culture offers cheese and other foods that are indistinguishable in taste and texture from traditional dairy. The new partnership will utilize ADM’s broad product development resources to accelerate New Culture’s applications. The startup will also have access to ADM’s full pantry of sustainable, plant-based …

Cornell University Studies Ethical and Economic Implications of Plant-Based Beef on US Market

August 12, 2022

A Cornell University study published in The Lancet, titled “Ethical and economic implications of the adoption of novel plant-based beef substitutes in the USA: a general equilibrium modelling study”, examines the impact of the plant-based meat industry on the US market. Plant-based alternatives to beef have the potential to help reduce carbon emissions, though the paper says that their growing popularity could affect farm labour and threaten more than 1.5 million jobs in agriculture. It is overlooked by the paper that there are several organisations working to help assist animal and dairy farmers with a transition to sustainable agriculture. For example, Mercy for Animals’ Transfarmation project partnered with Animal Outlook and Miyoko’s Creamery Dairy Farm Transition program to create a toolkit for farmers, providing guidance …

Photo by Angelica Reyes on Unsplash

Argentina Government Updates Food Code to Require Labeling of Vegan and Vegetarian Products

August 10, 2022

In a joint resolution, Argentina announces an update to the country’s Argentine Food Code (CAA) that will require inclusion of the terms “Vegan Product” or “Vegetarian Product” on plant-based food labels. Prepared by a coalition of government agencies, the new labeling requirements seek to “promote competitiveness, the generation of added value, differentiation and quality of food, as well as to provide access to clear and truthful information for the entire population,” states a press release. New requirements Under the new regulations, food manufacturers and importers must verify a product’s plant-based status with the relevant government health authority. Those that fail to comply will be prevented from carrying the required plant-based labeling. The decision was promoted by several government bodies, including the National Food Commission (CONAL) …

©Waters Corp.

Waters Corp. Partners with the Plant Protein Innovation Center to Advance Alt-Protein Science

July 28, 2022

Waters Corporation, a leading analytical instruments company, announces it is now collaborating with researchers at the Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC) to help advance plant protein science. As the first analytical instrument company to join the PPIC, Waters will provide technology and expertise to enhance understanding of plant-derived amino acids, and drive the development of new protein sources. First-of-its-kind center Located at the University of Minnesota, the PPIC is a first-of-its-kind, interdisciplinary center devoted to studying plant and alternative proteins. Its founding members include some of the largest names in food and agribusiness, including ADM, Cargill, Conagra, Danone, General Mills, and The Hershey Company. According to the PPIC, it addresses industry-identified plant protein challenges and opportunities by developing a wealth of interdisciplinary research. As a …

Pigs in gestation crates ©The Humane Society

Tropic Biosciences Raises $35M to Solve Crises of the $400Bn Banana, Coffee, & Rice Markets

July 6, 2022

Next gen impact investor Blue Horizon has announced an investment in Tropic Biosciences, a developer of high-performance varieties of tropical crops such as bananas, coffee, and rice. Leading a $35 million round for the company, Blue Horizon is backing Tropic Biosciences to be an agricultural-biotechnology leader at the forefront of a $400 billion market. Tropic Biosciences is focused on a portfolio of popular but problematic crops: bananas, coffee, and rice. Coffee is the most consumed beverage globally after water, while banana is the most consumed fruit in the world. Rice accounts for roughly 25% of global calorie consumption, therefore Tropic claims the combined total market that it addresses could be valued at $400 billion. With climate change reducing farming yields and contributing to the outbreak …

40% of UK's arable land devoted to livestock feed

WWF Calls for UK Farmland to Feed People, Not Livestock

July 5, 2022

A report by conservation organisation WWF has claimed that two-fifths of the UK’s arable land is being used to grow crops to feed farmed animals. Half of the wheat grown in the country — enough to produce over ten billion loaves of bread — is fed to livestock in a process the organisation described as “inherently inefficient”. When the land used for raising and grazing livestock is also taken into account, 85% of the UK’s farmland is devoted to animal agriculture. This is despite the fact that only a third of calories consumed in the country comes from animal products. The solution According to WWF, Brits currently eat more animal protein than is recommended and should aim to replace some of this with plant-based foods. …

©Willicroft

Report Examines Farmers’ Attitudes to Transitioning to Alt-Protein Production

July 4, 2022

A new report by ProVeg International has explored the opportunities and challenges faced by farmers transitioning to alt-protein production. The report interviewed 20 groups representing 300,000 farmers, asking what prevents them from making the shift. Responses show that many are concerned about climate change and open-minded to changing what they produce. However, farmers need to be reassured that they will not lose income if they make the transition. According to one German representative, the decision would be simple if demand and revenue for alt-proteins exceeded that for animal products. Solving challenges through alt-protein The report explores how transitioning to animal agriculture could relieve a number of pressures faced by the industry, including the impact of climate change on yields, reduced demand for animal products, and …

@Сергей Михайлов - stock.adobe.com

Equinom Achieves a “Game-Changing” 75% Protein Content for Yellow Pea Protein Ingredient

June 24, 2022June 21, 2022

Equinom announces today it has achieved a record 75% protein content in a minimally processed yellow pea protein ingredient using its Manna™ technology platform. According to the company, based on current market research and publicly available information, no other pea protein exists on the market today with this high level of protein content without the use of chemical processing. Equinom states that while advancements still need to be made to make this possible at commercial scale, the achievement demonstrates its ability to rapidly develop unique plant protein ingredients optimized for food applications that help producers to meet rising demands for sustainable foods. “We’re proud of this significant achievement with our pea protein and are truly excited by the possibilities our innovative approach can unlock for …

©allplants

Report: Sufficient Plant Protein is Already Produced to Feed the Entire World

June 21, 2022

Research by Dr. Stacy Pyett of Wageningen University says that the world is already producing sufficient plant protein to feed the entire population. About 520 million tons of plant protein are produced annually, with a third of this wasted either during processing, storage, or by consumers. This leaves 346 million tons remaining. However, around 50% of this is currently turned into livestock feed. Based on the minimum amount of protein required for good health, 172 million tons would be needed annually to feed eight billion people. Even with a more generous protein allowance, equivalent to the amount currently eaten by the Dutch population, only 227 million tons would be needed. This means that if the world transitioned to a plant-based diet, the amount of protein …

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