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.

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

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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

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Ari Ben Dror

VICE PRESIDENT OF SUSTAINABILITY & OPERATIONS, 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
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COP29: United Nations Climate Change Conference

COP29 Baku brings the world together at a critical moment for global transformative climate action. Join GFI and other alternative protein experts at this historic event!

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Virtual Event

Fish & CHIPS: Collaborative Huddle for Ideation & Problem Solving

Calling all cultivated seafood researchers and innovators! Join us for our next collaborative huddle on November 12th.

An illustration of cultivatd fish fry with french fries for the fish and chips collaborative huddle

Fish & CHIPS: Collaborative Huddle for Ideation & Problem Solving

Calling all cultivated seafood researchers and innovators! Join us for our next collaborative huddle on November 12th.

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Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre

Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit

Meet 1000+ international stakeholders across the agri-food ecosystem focused on building agri-food capacity and resilience in Asia.

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Virtual Event

The Science of Alt Protein: Microbial biodiversity in the green transition

Join our next Science of Alt Protein seminar to learn about Dr. Jahn’s interdisciplinary research that explores microbial biodiversity and its potential for food innovation.

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Comparative life cycle assessment of plant- and animal-based meats

Join us on December 3rd to explore the most comprehensive, open-access LCA of plant-based meat to date.

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Virtual Event

Building Your Alt Protein Career

Join us to explore academic and industry careers in alternative protein. Learn how you can apply your skills to this exciting and thriving field!

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Virtual Event

The Science of Alt Protein: Enhancing alternative protein through microbial diversity

Join us on December 19th to explore how diverse microbial strains can drive innovation in sustainable protein sources for the future of food.