The Good Food Institute's blueprint for strengthening the US agricultural bioeconomy timely reminder for new Trump administration

Given President Donald Trump has now taken office in the USA, following his inauguration on 20 January 2025, it's probably a good idea to reflect on the comprehensive set of recommendations from the Good Food Institute, published in the Autumn, to bolster the USA's leadership in the agricultural bioeconomy. The proposals aim to position the USA as a global leader in food biomanufacturing—a transformative sector that combines agricultural innovation with advanced biotechnology.

The document calls for a whole-of-government approach to advance food biomanufacturing, diversify protein production, and support farmers, small businesses, and rural communities. By leveraging American-grown crops and cutting-edge technologies, GFI envisions a future where sustainable food production becomes a key driver of economic resilience and global competitiveness.

Ilya Sheyman, CEO of GFI, emphasized the urgency of action. "We now face new challenges; not only is America a net importer of agricultural products, but other countries are exceeding our public investments in food biomanufacturing. Bold leadership can restore US dominance in this critical field."

At the heart of the recommendations is food biomanufacturing, a process that uses fermentation, precision cultivation, and other advanced techniques to produce sustainable food products. These processes enable the development of alternative proteins and other food innovations that can reduce resource use, lower costs for consumers, and provide new revenue streams for farmers.

GFI highlights the potential of food biomanufacturing to diversify protein sources, noting that such efforts can address supply chain vulnerabilities while creating jobs in struggling rural economies. The report also warns that other nations, including China and the European Union, are significantly ramping up investments in alternative proteins, challenging US leadership in this critical sector.

"We have the opportunity to utilize American-grown crops to create new markets that feed the world and generate profits for farmers and businesses for generations to come," Sheyman added.

The document provides specific, actionable recommendations for several federal agencies, emphasizing the importance of interagency collaboration and long-term investments in research, infrastructure, and workforce development.

For the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), GFI suggests elevating food biomanufacturing to a research priority within its National Institute of Food and Agriculture programs. Expanding funding for the Agricultural Research Service would enable the development of new protein products while maximizing the value of crop byproducts. The establishment of Sustainable Protein Centers of Excellence at universities is also recommended to foster collaboration between academia and the private sector, driving innovation and workforce development. Another significant proposal is the use of USDA loan guarantees and reinstating the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program to build domestic production capacity and prevent offshoring.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urged to streamline regulatory pathways to ensure new products reach the market efficiently. Proactive engagement with early-stage companies and researchers would enable the FDA to support food innovation while maintaining public confidence. The agency is also encouraged to allow clear labeling of alternative protein products, using terms such as “plant-based sausage” or “oat milk” to reduce consumer confusion and foster trust.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seen as critical to advancing alternative protein research through increased funding and public-private partnerships. The report calls for the NSF to prioritize findings from the “Catalyzing Across Sectors to Advance the Bioeconomy” initiative and to establish Centers of Excellence focused on food biomanufacturing. These centers would advance research while training a skilled workforce to meet the needs of a rapidly growing sector.

GFI underscores the transformative economic and environmental potential of food biomanufacturing. By creating new markets for crops and agricultural byproducts, the sector could provide much-needed economic opportunities in rural areas.

The environmental benefits are equally compelling. According to the report, alternative proteins could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and resource consumption compared to conventional meat production. For example, air pollution could be reduced by up to 91%, while water consumption could decrease by as much as 93% for plant-based products.

In addition to reducing environmental impacts, food biomanufacturing offers public health benefits, including lower risks of antimicrobial resistance and chronic disease rates. As the report notes, the overuse of antibiotics in conventional meat production contributes to the rise of antimicrobial-resistant strains, a growing global health challenge.

The report includes examples of successful initiatives that demonstrate the potential of food biomanufacturing. Liberation Labs in Indiana, for instance, has established a fermentation facility that uses corn dextrose as a feedstock, supported by a US$25 million USDA loan guarantee. This initiative not only supports local farmers but also advances the development of sustainable bioproducts.

In Texas, Plantible Foods is leveraging duckweed to produce RuBisCO protein, a functional and sustainable alternative to animal-derived proteins. The company’s scalable, low-tech approach showcases how innovative methods can meet the growing demand for sustainable food solutions.

Another example comes from Butler Farms in North Carolina, where a family farm transitioned from hog farming to oyster mushroom cultivation. This shift highlights how protein diversification can revitalize rural economies while reducing environmental impact.

The recommendations also address the strategic importance of food biomanufacturing in ensuring national security. By diversifying protein sources and reducing reliance on imports, the USA can build a resilient food system less vulnerable to global disruptions.

The report warns that countries like China are aggressively investing in alternative proteins, with President Xi Jinping identifying protein diversification as a key goal for innovation. Without bold action, the USA risks losing its leadership position in this critical sector.

"Diversifying food production, especially protein production, will make the United States secure and competitive," the report states, highlighting the broader implications for economic and geopolitical stability.

In his concluding remarks, Sheyman reinforces the transformative potential of food biomanufacturing. "The emerging food biomanufacturing industry brings together three of America’s greatest strengths: farmers, entrepreneurs, and scientific innovators. By acting boldly, we can secure American leadership in this critical field and create a more sustainable, prosperous future."