About alternative proteins

Alternative proteins are agricultural innovations that, with proper levels of government and private support, will help ensure planetary and public health. Learn more about what they are, why they matter, and how they can transform the future of food. You can also dig deep into the climate and biodiversity benefits of alternative proteins below.

Alternative proteins are a global climate solution

Today, agriculture accounts for a third of all global emissions. Animal agriculture alone – including the crops and pastures to feed those animals—accounts for up to 20 percent of all emissions. A solution? Change how meat is made. Learn more about the climate benefits of alternative proteins here.

Alternative proteins are a biodiversity solution

The stakes for biodiversity around the world are high. One-third of all plant and animal life alive today is at risk of extinction by 2070. Shifting toward alternative proteins is key to reversing deforestation and biodiversity loss while still meeting the growing global demand for meat. Learn more about the biodiversity benefits of alternative proteins here.

The Good Food Institute at COP29

The Good Food Institute is a nonprofit think tank working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. As an international network of organizations, we advance alternative proteins to help meet climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals. Learn how GFI is creating a world where alternative proteins are no longer alternative.

A critical moment in global transformative climate action

To meet growing global demand for meat, we need more ways to produce protein—and bold leaders to drive protein innovation.

Check out some of the ways GFI and its partners are engaging at COP29 to elevate alternative proteins as a solution to pressing challenges:

  • GFI Founder and President Bruce Friedrich will be speaking on a panel hosted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Learn more about the event, “Alternative Proteins for Climate, Hunger, and Global Health”, here.
  • Bruce Friedrich will also be speaking on a panel hosted by Climate Action, “Agri-Food Innovation: Pioneering Solutions for Climate Action.” Learn more about the event here.
  • GFI Brazil is co-hosting a panel with FAO and CGIAR, “Harvesting change: Sustainable food systems for climate and biodiversity solutions.” Learn more here.
  • GFI Israel Associate Director of Policy Adi Ben Tov will moderate a panel and workshop at the Action On Food Pavilion led by EIT Food, Proveg International, and the Future Economy Forum. Learn more about “Unlocking National Potential through Alternative Protein Strategies” here, under the roundtable zone tab.

Note: Many COP29 events will be live-streamed. Check the host organization’s webpage for details.

Event location

Heydar Aliyev
Baku, Azerbaijan
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GFI delegation

Bruce friedrich

Bruce Friedrich

PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, GFI

Gustavog headshot square

Gus Guadagnini

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GFI BRAZIL

Mariana bernal

Mariana Bernal

POLICY ANALYST, GFI BRAZIL

Gfier alysson

Alysson Soares

HEAD OF POLICY, GFI BRAZIL

Samuel goh

Samuel Goh

POLICY MANAGER, GFI APAC

Adi ben tov

Adi Ben Tov

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF POLICY, GFI ISRAEL

Clare bland

Clare Bland

SENIOR GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY, GFI

2023 state of global policy report cover

How to meet your NDC goals

Integrate alternative protein innovation into your national climate plans. Learn how your country is already supporting alternative proteins by downloading The State of Global Policy on Alternative Proteins.

Developing an alternative protein national strategy cover

Developing an alternative protein national strategy

This three-step guide and framework is designed for stakeholders working on food and agricultural strategy at the national level. Explore country-specific strengths, goals, and needs to develop a strategic plan for activating and executing a national alternative protein vision.

Upcoming events

View all events
2024 state of global policy report cover
Virtual Event

2024 State of Global Policy webinar

Join our experts for a live webinar covering the state of global policy on alternative proteins, and learn why countries around the world are prioritizing protein diversification.

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Virtual Event

Building Your Alt Protein Career: Food science, consulting, and science communication

Discover academic and industry career paths in the alternative protein sector, and get inspired by real-world experiences and actionable advice from our guest speaker.

Driving down costs for fermentation ingredients: recommendations from techno-economic data report cover
Virtual Event

Driving down costs for fermentation ingredients: Recommendations from techno-economic data

Join us for a webinar unpacking the cost competitiveness of fermentation-derived ingredients and how to reduce production costs based on insights from a new report!

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Virtual Event

Plant-Based Revolution! Climate Action Party

Join GFI’s Shayna Fertig, Senior Advisor to the President, and trailblazers from across the alternative protein ecosystem for a lively discussion on what comes next and how smarter food choices…

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Virtual Event

Fish & CHIPS: Collaborative Huddle for Ideation & Problem Solving session one

Calling all cultivated seafood researchers and innovators! Join us for our next collaborative huddle on July 8th at 11:30 am ET.

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Virtual Event

Fish & CHIPS: Collaborative Huddle for Ideation & Problem Solving session two

Calling all cultivated seafood researchers and innovators! Join us for our next collaborative huddle on July 8th at 10:30 pm ET.

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Virtual Event

Building Your Alt Protein Career

Discover academic and industry career paths in the alternative protein sector, and get inspired by real-world experiences and actionable advice from our guest speaker.

An illustration depicting people in science, industry, and academic settings
Virtual Event

Building Your Alt Protein Career

Discover academic and industry career paths in the alternative protein sector, and get inspired by real-world experiences and actionable advice from our guest speaker.