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Food Industry Stakeholders & MEPs From Across the Political Spectrum Gather in Support of Protein Diversification

At a recent event at the European Parliament, food industry stakeholders such as meat processors, plant-based companies, and farmers joined MEPs from various political parties to support protein diversification. The event was centred around a new position paper from nonprofit organisation SustainableFoundations, which outlines how polarised views on the future of proteins could be reconciled to build a more sustainable future. The gathering was reportedly a great success, with over 90 stakeholders, commission members, and representatives in attendance. Speaking at the event, MEP Cabral from the European People’s Party Group said the conservatives would work towards protein diversification, adding that it was important to collaborate to develop concrete solutions. MEP Friid of Renew suggested taking inspiration from Denmark, which became the first country to adopt …

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How Traditional German Food Producers Are Driving the Plant-Based Transition

Where do traditional German food producers stand in terms of the food transition? More and more established companies are recognizing the potential and the need to include alternative protein sources in their product ranges. Although the plant-based market in Germany and Europe is being driven primarily by milk and meat producers, who have been investing more and more in plant-based alternatives in recent years, only a few of these companies have developed concrete strategies for simultaneously reducing animal proteins. Instead, the attitude is often taken that the consumer must decide or that a separation must be made between animal and plant-based products without establishing competition. The question arises as to how serious manufacturers really are about the transformation and why many companies are not making …

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New Germanwatch Study “Super Emitters in the Meat and Dairy Industry in Germany” Shows Climate Protection Potential of Plant-Based Alternatives

Last week, Germanwatch published the study “Super-Emittenten in der Fleisch- und Milchwirtschaft in Deutschland” (Super-emitters in the meat and dairy industry in Germany). Faba Konzepte was involved in the study, calculating the greenhouse gas emissions, as was Green Legal Impact, which discussed the corporations’ climate-related legal obligations. The study has calculated the greenhouse gas emissions of the ten largest slaughterhouses and ten largest dairy companies in Germany for the first time. It takes a particular look at the efforts made so far by the two market leaders Tönnies and DMK Deutsches Milchkontor. The study also asks what needs to be done within the meat and dairy industry and in politics to significantly reduce emissions now and in the long term. The study determines the potential …

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Ahold Delhaize to Sell 50% Plant-Based Proteins in Europe by 2030

Multinational retail group Ahold Delhaize has announced that its European brands will work to make 50% of the proteins they sell plant-based by 2030. The brands’ strategies will vary depending on their local markets and consumer preferences. However, they may include actively promoting plant-based product ranges, using loyalty programs and incentives to encourage the purchase of plant-based foods, and investing in education to help consumers learn about the benefits of sustainable eating. By rebalancing its protein sales, Ahold Delhaize hopes to reduce its emissions, 95% of which reportedly originate within the value chain and outside of its own operations. The company recognises that boosting sales of plant-based food could also help to achieve nutritional health objectives. “Small changes can make a positive impact” Ahold Delhaize’s …

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Op Ed: Tobias Leenaert – Can We Stop Paying the Polluters? A Report on the Defund Meat Conference

Tobias Leenaert is the author of How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach, a highly regarded book offering practical strategies for vegan advocacy. He is also the co-founder of ProVeg International. Tobias is known for his thoughtful, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented approach to building a more sustainable and compassionate food system. In this article, Tobias discusses the key takeaways from the Defund Meat Conference in Heidelberg, Germany, where leading academics presented research and strategies for reducing meat consumption through legal, economic, and political interventions. Can We Stop Paying the Polluters? By Tobias Leenaert of ProVeg International On Jan. 16-17, 2025, I attended the Defund Meat Conference at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg, Germany. The one hundred or …

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How the Shortfalls of the Planetary Health Diet Could Be Addressed From a Plant-Forward Perspective

In 2019, the landmark EAT-Lancet report outlined a new Planetary Health Diet designed to improve human health and sustainability. The guidelines recommend eating more whole plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, while decreasing the consumption of less healthy foods such as red meat, sugar, and refined grains. While the recommendations have gained significant traction, they have also attracted criticism from some quarters, including claims that the diet could lead to micronutrient shortages. A new study published in The Lancet aims to address these concerns, recommending seven thematic areas for the development of the Planetary Health Diet. Bioavailability The bioavailability of certain nutrients in plant-based foods, such as iron, zinc, and calcium, can be lower than in animal-source foods. However, the …

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Lidl Targets 20% Increase in Plant-Based Sales by 2030 in Partnership with WWF

Lidl has announced new sustainability targets aimed at promoting plant-based eating across its 31 international markets. In collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the retailer has committed to increasing the proportion of plant-based foods sold by 20% by 2030, compared to 2023 levels. This initiative is part of Lidl’s broader effort to align its product offerings with the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) guidelines by 2050. Lidl’s strategy, dubbed “Conscious Nutrition,” includes using WWF’s Planet-Based Diets Retailer Methodology to evaluate and expand its product range. This methodology provides a framework for developing sustainable and health-focused food options, encompassing protein sources, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The retailer plans to implement national targets across all its markets to support its international goal. Stefan Haensel, senior vice …

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WACKER BIOSOLUTIONS: “We’re Making Cultivated Meat Cost-Effective and Scalable, Bringing It Closer to Supermarket Shelves”

WACKER BIOSOLUTIONS is playing a pivotal role in advancing cultivated meat and seafood production through innovative biotech solutions. Leading this effort is Iris Maria Dahlem, Innovation Manager and head of the Cultivated Meat project, which focuses on developing key components for the industry. With a background in nutritional science and extensive experience in the food sector, Dahlem has been working for the past two years on solutions to address challenges such as scalability, cost-efficiency, and quality. In this interview, she shares insights into WACKER’s contributions to the cultivated meat space, the industry’s push toward price parity, and the importance of successful partnerships. Wacker is renowned for its expertise in biotechnology and chemical innovations. How are Wacker’s solutions specifically supporting the development of cultivated meat production? …

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Study Highlights Gap in Sustainability Policies Addressing Animal Agriculture’s Climate Impact

A recent study conducted by the nonprofit Animal Outlook has brought attention to a critical omission in sustainability policies among major US corporations: the failure to address the role of animal agriculture in climate change. Despite increasing commitments to climate action, the report found that none of the publicly available sustainability policies of the top 100 highest-earning companies in the US include measures to reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Animal agriculture accounts for over 16.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to estimates cited by the organization. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has also highlighted the sector’s role in producing 37% of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas with a warming potential 20 times greater than carbon dioxide. Animal Outlook, which is a …

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Tender Food

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Tender Food, Ginkgo Bioworks, and Others Secure Millions in DOE Grants for Low-Carbon Food Innovation

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced more than $136 million in funding for 66 projects focused on advancing low-carbon technologies across critical US industrial sectors. Among the sectors targeted, the food and beverage industry is included, with several initiatives addressing decarbonization challenges through innovative technology development. This funding is part of the DOE’s Technologies for Industrial Emissions Reduction Development (TIEReD) Program, which invests in research, pilot projects, and workforce development to decarbonize energy-intensive industries. In addition to food and beverage production, the program also targets chemicals, iron and steel, cement, forest products, and glass manufacturing. Together, these industries account for over 75% of US industrial energy demand. Within the food and beverage sector, multiple projects were selected for funding to develop and demonstrate …

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Diversification as the Key to Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability

European agriculture faces mounting challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic volatility. The urgent need to transform farming systems has never been clearer. But how can Europe’s agricultural sector become more resilient and future-ready? ProVeg International’s policy brief, Future-fit farming: advancing resilience and sustainability in European agriculture, explores actionable steps to diversify and strengthen farming systems. By focusing on sustainability, economic resilience, and ecological health, the roadmap provides clear guidance for farmers, policymakers, businesses, and organisations. Why diversification matters Reliance on monoculture and animal agriculture leaves European farming systems highly vulnerable to climate shocks, market disruptions, and environmental degradation. Diversifying production systems offers critical benefits: Resilience: Diverse systems withstand climate and market pressures more effectively. Sustainability: Reducing reliance on resource-intensive practices conserves natural ecosystems. …

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Chipotle

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Chipotle Doubles Cultivate Next Fund to $100M to Drive Sustainability and Innovation in Food Tech

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has announced a $50 million expansion of its Cultivate Next venture fund, increasing the total pool to $100 million. The fund, established in 2022 with an initial $50 million, focuses on early-stage investments in companies developing innovations in agriculture, supply chains, automation, and restaurant technology. The initiative is part of Chipotle’s strategy to accelerate growth and enhance operations, with the company aiming to increase its restaurant count to 7,000 locations across North America. According to Curt Garner, Chipotle’s chief customer and technology officer, “Our decision to double our commitment to our Cultivate Next venture fund is a clear indicator that we are investing in the right companies that we can learn from and utilize to improve the human experience of …

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Universities Reducing Animal Products in Dining Halls Earn Recognition From the HSUS

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has released its “College and University Protein Sustainability Scorecard,” evaluating how higher education institutions are working to improve sustainability in their dining services. The report grades schools on efforts to expand plant-based meal offerings and reduce animal product usage as part of their self-operated dining programs. Grades range from A+ to F, based on criteria such as measurable goals, staff training, and transparency in sustainability practices. The scorecard is part of a broader effort to highlight the role universities play in mitigating climate change, improving public health, and reducing the environmental footprint of food production. According to the United Nations, one-third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are tied to food production, with animal agriculture being a …

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Scientific Study Reveals Which Meat Alternatives Offer the Most Health & Environmental Benefits

A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has ranked different types of meat alternatives to determine which is best from the perspective of health, the environment, and cost. Titled A multicriteria analysis of meat and milk alternatives from nutritional, health, environmental, and cost perspectives, the study was led by Dr Marco Springmann from the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford and the Institute for Global Health at University College London. The findings indicate that legumes such as beans and peas are the best meat alternative; if chosen over meat and dairy, they would reportedly reduce nutritional imbalances in high-income countries by half and mortality from diet-related diseases by a tenth. Environmental impacts (such as emissions, land …

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a plate with a steak takes center stage, representing the connection between meat consumption and environmental degradation Generative AI

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Plant-Based Leaders Demand Change, Signing Collective Call to Action as COP29 Neglects Food’s Role in Climate Crisis

At this year’s COP29 hosted by the Azerbaijan capital Baku, the conversation around the climate impact of our global food system was once again stifled, despite various non-profits and groups calling on world leaders to reform food and agricultural policies. Amid the ongoing natural disasters taking place with regularity around the planet, notably absent from the majority of political and media debates is the impact of food production, which accounts for 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, over half of which stem from animal agriculture (19.7% total), exceeding the emissions from the transport sector (16.2%). Not only was there an overwhelming lack of vegan options at the event, but reportedly, several menu items were mislabeled; Indian climate activist Shreya Ghodawat and Plant Based Treaty’s scientific …

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Dont Turn the Page campaign by Heura

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Heura Urges Spanish Congress to Address Climate Emergency in Wake of Natural Disasters with New Awareness Campaign

Heura Foods, Spain’s leading plant-based food innovation company, has called on the Spanish Congress of Deputies to take a proactive and urgent role in addressing the climate emergency affecting Spain and the world. In response to recent environmental disasters, such as the devastating floods in Valencia, and the alarming advance of global warming that could exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, Heura urges legislators to prioritise sustainability and global health on the political agenda, leaving partisan interests aside. “Heura understands that this challenge has no political colour and requires the unity and commitment of all forces in Congress. Therefore, we call on the people’s representatives to prioritise sustainability and global health over political interests. The climate emergency can wait no longer and urgent action is imperative,” …

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World leaders urged to commit to transitioning away from animal products

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World Leaders Urged to Commit to Transitioning Away From Meat & Dairy at COP29

A coalition of global non-profit organizations and members of the Food & Climate Action Group has called on world leaders attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to reform food and agricultural policies. At last year’s UN Climate Conference (COP28), world leaders signed an agreement to transition away from fossil fuels. They are now being urged to commit to a “just transition away from meat and dairy overconsumption”, either at this year’s event or next year’s COP30. Leaders of high-income countries have been called on to give public support to low-carbon foods such as vegetables in order to reduce emissions and the use of land and water. Besides aligning with climate targets, the organizations say that such policies would improve public health and reduce spending on healthcare. …

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Report: EU Livestock Farming Has “Major Negative Consequences”, Consumption Patterns Must Change

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) recently hosted its annual Mansholt Lecture, which aims to “inspire European policymakers and stakeholders on critical societal issues, particularly those related to sustainable agri-food systems and the living environment”. This year’s lecture focused on land use, and is accompanied by a report titled Key dilemmas on future land use for agriculture, forestry and nature in the EU. A significant theme is the negative impact of livestock farming and the need for a change in consumption patterns. The report discusses five key dilemmas: Self-sufficiency While the EU has a high level of food security, it is highly dependent on imported raw materials such as fertilisers, energy, and animal feed. The region could produce more protein crops and oilseeds, but it would …

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National Trust

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National Trust Members Vote in Favour of a 50% Plant-Based Menu at Cafés

Members of UK conservation charity the National Trust have voted in favour of a resolution to make at least 50% of the menu plant-based at the Trust’s 300 food and beverage outlets. The vote took place at the Trust’s 129th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held in the Newcastle Civic Centre. 57,498 members voted in favour of the resolution, compared to 20,111 against. An overwhelming majority of members also voted in support of a resolution to strengthen the charity’s response to the climate and ecological emergency. The National Trust was founded in 1895 and manages over 500 heritage and nature sites across the UK. Around 40% of the menu at the charity’s cafes is already plant-based, and it has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions …

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City of West Hollywood endorses the Plant Based Treaty

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City of West Hollywood Unanimously Endorses the Plant Based Treaty

The City Council for West Hollywood, California, has unanimously voted to endorse the Plant Based Treaty. The council will now urge the US government, along with other national governments, to negotiate a Global Plant Based Treaty. In a resolution initiated by Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers, the council acknowledged the threat posed by the global climate crisis and the need for “bold and immediate action”. The document notes that plant-based meals have a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based meals, adding that the City of West Hollywood has a history of prioritizing climate action and sustainable food policies. It also mentions the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), which is targeting carbon neutrality by 2035. The resolution was successfully passed last week. Plant-based procurement Earlier …

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