Cellular agriculture associations from around the world join forces to make sure protein diversification is on the menu at COP28

Convinced that protein diversification is a key element of an inclusive transition towards sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems, the Global Cellular Agriculture Alliance (GCAA) is hosting a series of dialogues on complementary proteins scheduled on the 9 and 11 of December 2023 at the Food Systems Pavilion of COP28.

The GCAA represents the collaborative effort between the USA-based Alliance for Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Innovation (AMPS Innovation), the APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture (APAC-SCA), and Cellular Agriculture Europe, including members from more than 30 cultivated meat, seafood, and dairy companies.

Food systems are a significant contributor to the climate crisis, accounting for more than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. And, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, many key components of biodiversity for food and agriculture – in other words, forms of life that are essential to food production – are in decline. Meeting the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals thus implies bold actions in all sectors – including on our plates.

Public-private partnerships and government support in accelerating the development of complementary proteins are essential. The GCAA is proud to have Chris Adamo, Danone’s Vice President of Public Affairs & Regenerative Agriculture Policy; Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, Food Systems for the Future President and CEO; Rick Duke, US Deputy Special Envoy for Climate; moderator Danielle Nierenberg, Food Tank President; Niels Peter Nørring, Climate Director at the Danish Agriculture and Food Council; Sara Roversi, President of Future Food Institute; Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, CGIAR Director for Nutrition, Health and Food Security Impact Area Platform; and the Dutch Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy Christianne van der Wal among many other great thought leaders to discuss:

• Harvesting solutions: Cultivating a sustainable future through methane reduction in the agrifood sector;
• The Diversification Tipping Point: A look at innovators like Singapore, Denmark, Israel, and the Netherlands;
• Cultivating change for a food secure world (in partnership with Food Tank);
• Balancing the Plate: Healthier diets for a more sustainable world (in partnership with Food Tank);
• How diversification of aquatic food consumption can help address the biodiversity crisis;
• Opportunities for farmers in the future of cultivated meat and seafood.

“AMPS Innovation is delighted to co-sponsor the Food Systems Pavilion as part of the Global Cellular Agriculture Alliance to help support the advancement of protein diversification globally," commented Shannon Cosentino-Roush, President of AMPS Innovation. "Cellular agriculture is one of many critical tools that can help complement the global food system both to increase food security and resilience, and also mitigate and adapt to climate challenges. We are grateful to all of the FSP partners as together our voices are instrumental in ensuring that food systems are recognized as essential to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.”

“The COP28 Presidency has wisely chosen to dedicate two full days to land use, oceans, nature, and food and agriculture systems," added Robert E. Jones, President of Cellular Agriculture Europe. "It has become painfully clear that changing what is on our plates is critical to mitigating climate change and achieving the sustainable development goals. We are proud to join a variety of other stakeholders in the Food Systems Pavilion and look forward to highlighting the role protein diversification can play in building more resilient and sustainable food systems.”  

“Working in synergy together as a global alliance has been pivotal in elevating the sector to the next level in terms of policy, growth, and industry-wide maturity," stated Sandhya Sriram, President APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture. "APAC Society for Cellular Agriculture is related to co-host this important programming together with our counterparts in the US and EU – to highlight the importance of protein diversification in general and its relevance to Cellular Agriculture.“