The Role of EIT Food in Promoting Protein Diversification in Europe
Introduction
In 2016, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) established EIT Food, a Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) focused on addressing food-related issues. EIT Food brings together stakeholders from various sectors to fund projects, companies, and individuals that contribute to solving problems like malnutrition, food waste, and climate change. The organization is partially funded by the European Commission and industry members. Andy Zynga was appointed as CEO in 2018, marking his first foray into the non-profit sector.
The Mission of EIT Food
EIT Food is a non-profit organization co-funded by the European Union with the goal of transforming the food system. Its mission is to improve the health of people and the planet by focusing on five key areas: reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases through better nutrition, addressing obesity (with an emphasis on childhood obesity), minimizing the negative environmental impact of the food system by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, promoting circularity to reduce food waste and loss, and enhancing consumer trust in the food system.
Partnerships and Growth
EIT Food initially started with 50 partners and has since grown to approximately 100 partners. The network includes a diverse range of stakeholders, such as farming cooperatives, processors, multinational companies like Pepsi and Danone, retailers like Colruyt, consumer organizations, and NGOs like the Good Food Institute. By bringing together these actors, EIT Food aims to create a meaningful impact on the European food system.
The Rise of Protein Diversification
EIT Food recognizes the potential of protein diversification to address the limitations of current food systems. Alternative proteins, or “protein diversification,” encompass various sources such as plant-based proteins, algae, fungi (mycoproteins), precision fermentation, and even edible insects. The organization believes that instead of replacing animal meat, these alternative protein sources can supplement and diversify the protein landscape.
The Advantages of Protein Diversification
Protein diversification offers several advantages that align with EIT Food’s mission. Firstly, it contributes to climate action by reducing water usage, with plant-based proteins requiring 99% less water than animal meat. Secondly, a diverse protein diet has positive effects on human health, as demonstrated by the EAT-Lancet report on planetary health diets. Additionally, protein diversification promotes environmental sustainability by diversifying crop production. Finally, it stimulates economic growth through the emergence of innovative startups in the alternative protein sector.
Regulatory Challenges and EIT Food’s Efforts
One of the main challenges faced by companies in the alternative protein space is the strict and slow-moving regulatory framework for novel foods in the European Union. To address this issue, EIT Food established a think-tank for protein diversification, where partners and non-partners collaborate to propose policy recommendations. The organization also formed a Policy Advisory Board comprising various directorates-general involved in the food system. These initiatives aim to foster dialogue, improve communication policies, and address regulatory hurdles hindering the growth of protein diversification.
Recommendations for Regulatory Improvements
In its white paper on protein diversification, EIT Food offers recommendations for regulatory improvements. One suggestion is to expedite the regulatory approval process for novel foods, as startups have reported delays in obtaining approval. The organization highlights that countries like Singapore and the United States are more advanced in this regard. EIT Food also suggests bolstering teams at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to streamline the process further.
Conclusion
EIT Food plays a crucial role in promoting protein diversification in Europe, aiming to transform the food system for the better. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, advocating for regulatory improvements, and supporting innovative startups, EIT Food strives to create a sustainable and diverse protein landscape that benefits both people and the planet.
