Context:
In light of the pressing issues posed by climate change and the depletion of natural resources, the task of providing adequate, nutritious, safe, and affordable food to a rapidly expanding global population with evolving dietary preferences grows increasingly challenging.
Within this context, the availability of protein emerges as a pivotal concern. Exploring and integrating a diverse array of novel or alternative protein sources, whether terrestrial or aquatic, into both new and existing processes or products becomes imperative to cultivate a more sustainable and resilient food supply chain.
Achieving high levels of consumer and investor acceptance will be crucial in this endeavor. This acceptance can be fostered amongst others through a clean-labelling approach, ensuring transparency and clarity about the sourcing and production methods of food products.
Additionally, attractive market opportunities that incentivize investment in sustainable protein sources will play a significant role in driving innovation and adoption across the food industry. By embracing these strategies, stakeholders can work together to address the complex challenges of food security and sustainability in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.
In alignment with these shared objectives, a consortium of the EU-H2020-funded projects NextGenProteins, ProFuture, Smart Protein, and SUSINCHAIN, later joined by the EU Horizon Europe funded projects INNOAQUA, GIANT LEAPS, LIKE-A-PRO, and VALPRO Path, established Horizon4Proteins. This collaborative partnership was initiated with the aim of fostering dialogue and innovation in the realm of alternative proteins.
Horizon4Proteins inaugurated its endeavor with a series of webinars that delved into critical facets of alternative protein production and consumption. These discussions explored topics such as consumer acceptance, safety and regulatory considerations, food applications, and sustainability implications. By engaging researchers, farmers, producers, policymakers, and individuals with a vested interest in sustainable food systems, Horizon4Proteins seeks to catalyze meaningful discourse and inspire collective action towards shaping the future of our food systems.
Horizon4Proteins platform
Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Horizon4Proteins endeavors to harness the collective expertise and insights of diverse stakeholders to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with alternative proteins. The platform serves as an inclusive forum where ideas are exchanged, innovations are fostered, and solutions are co-created to advance the sustainability and resilience of our global food systems. Join us in charting a path towards a more sustainable and equitable future for food production and consumption.