Christie Lagally, founder and CEO of Rebellyous Foods in Seattle, shares her suggestions for scaling up the production of alternative meats as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos invests $60 million in support for the industry. The Bezos Earth Fund will create university research centers to focus on improving environmentally friendly alternatives to animal protein, with a goal of reducing manufacturing costs. Lagally’s Rebellyous Foods offers a line of plant-based chicken products and serves school districts across the U.S. and retail locations on the West Coast.
Despite the presence of companies like Impossible Foods, Beyond Beef, Gardein, and others, Lagally points out the need for research and development into better manufacturing and production technology for alternative meats. The physics and biology involved in scaling up production can present challenges, but it is essential for the industry to compete with traditional meat producers. The Bezos Earth Fund’s investment in alternative proteins aligns with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture industry and feeding a growing global population sustainably.
The support from the Bezos Earth Fund comes at a crucial time for the alternative meat sector, which has seen a decline in investment after an initial surge in funding. While companies like Rebellyous Foods have been able to raise significant funds, the sector as a whole has faced challenges in consumer adoption and sales. Lagally believes that the funding for research and development will help mature the industry and improve the quality, affordability, and taste of alternative meat products.
The investment in alternative proteins is seen as a way to address climate change by reducing emissions from livestock production. Ruminants like cattle are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. Alternative proteins are seen as essential for feeding a growing population within planetary boundaries. The shift towards non-animal proteins is necessary in order to reduce the environmental impact of food production and ensure a sustainable future.
By focusing on research and development, the alternative meat industry aims to compete at the scale of traditional meat producers. Lagally emphasizes the importance of designing solutions that can meet the demands of the market while also addressing the challenges of scaling up production. With the Bezos Earth Fund’s support, the industry has an opportunity to grow and improve the quality and availability of alternative meat products.
In conclusion, the alternative meat sector is poised for growth and innovation with the support of investors like Jeff Bezos and the Bezos Earth Fund. By investing in research and development, the industry aims to improve the quality, taste, and affordability of alternative proteins and make them more competitive with traditional meat products. With a focus on sustainability and reducing environmental impact, alternative proteins have the potential to play a significant role in addressing climate change and feeding a growing global population.
