Cellular agriculture, also known as cultivated meat, is a rapidly growing industry with promising economic potential despite facing challenges in scale and innovation. At Tufts University’s Cellular Agriculture Innovation Day, industry experts and researchers gathered to discuss the latest advancements and opportunities in this field.
Bruce Friedrich, co-founder and president of the Good Food Institute (GFI), highlighted the increasing interest in cellular agriculture from governments around the world. He emphasized that many governments are recognizing the economic benefits of alternative proteins and are investing in transitioning towards plant-based and cellular agriculture as part of their bio-economy plans. This recognition is supported by a needs assessment report by the Global Methane Hub and Climate Works Foundation, which found that plant-based and cellular agriculture could generate 98% of the economic benefits and two thirds of the jobs in agricultural climate mitigation efforts.
Despite the potential for economic growth, challenges in scale and input materials remain significant hurdles for the cellular agriculture sector. David Kaplan, PhD, director of the Tufts University Center for Cellular Agriculture, emphasized the need for improved biomaterials and increased availability of inputs to support the growth of the industry. Kaplan suggested exploring nontraditional cell sources, such as cellulose, as a potential solution to these challenges. While cellulose is abundant and cost-effective, it is not currently food-grade, presenting an opportunity for innovation in biomaterials.
Friedrich expressed optimism about the industry’s ability to overcome these challenges, citing manufacturers’ interest in improving the efficiency of meat production. He highlighted the inefficiencies of the current system, where crops are grown to feed animals for meat production, resulting in a highly inefficient process. With cellular agriculture, manufacturers have the opportunity to significantly improve efficiency and profitability in meat production. Major companies like ADM, Nestle, JBS, Tyson, and Cargill are already investing in cellular agriculture technologies as they see the potential for higher margins and improved sustainability in the industry.
While scale-up and biomaterial innovation remain key challenges for the cellular agriculture sector, the industry is poised for growth and innovation. Researchers and industry experts are optimistic about the potential for alternative proteins to revolutionize the food industry and address pressing environmental and economic challenges. By continuing to invest in research and development, as well as collaborating with governments and industry partners, the cellular agriculture industry is on track to become a major player in the global food market.
