Policy
Plant-based and cultivated meat offer clear solutions to major national and global challenges — the very issues governments exist to address. As a nonprofit working toward a sustainable global food system, GFI advocates fair policy and public research funding for alternative proteins.
What our work supports
We work to secure government support for alternative protein research and advocate public policy that places all proteins on a level playing field. Public support and fair policy will ensure that alternative proteins are affordable and accessible, leading to a more resilient food supply, more choices for consumers, and a stronger economy.
Driving a strong economy
From semiconductors to solar power, publicly funded research has enabled the success of the most significant innovations since World War II. These innovations have driven economic growth. In the same way, publicly funded research on alternative proteins will stimulate economic growth, provide more opportunities for farmers, and create good jobs.
Creating choices for consumers
The market for plant-based foods has seen rapid growth in recent years. More and more people are also excited about cultivated meat and alternative proteins produced through fermentation. These alternative proteins offer an opportunity to provide consumers with the variety they crave. We advocate clear and efficient regulations so that more foods come to market safely and properly labeled.
Building a resilient food supply
Demand for meat is at an all-time high and is expected to continue to rise. Diversifying our food supply by growing the alternative protein sector will pay dividends in terms of both global health and sustainability, which will make our food supply more resilient.
Policy initiatives
GFI’s Policy Team is an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, lobbyists, and policy experts. Guided by a belief in societal change and grounded in science, we focus on three primary initiatives to advance alternative proteins. GFI’s international affiliates do similar work abroad.
Securing government funding
Government support will accelerate the growth of alternative proteins. Learn how GFI works to secure public funds for alternative protein research.
Ensuring a clear path to market
Cultivated meat must have an efficient regulatory path to market to be successful. Learn how GFI advocates clear and efficient regulations.
Advocating for fair labeling
Alternative proteins need a fair competitive landscape. Learn how GFI advocates fair public policy that places all proteins on a level playing field.
Open-access research is needed
Open-access research will accelerate the progress of plant-based and cultivated meat, which will benefit the economy, food security, and consumers.
Resource
Cultivated meat LCA and TEA: Policy recommendations
See key findings from and policy recommendations based on CE Delft’s life cycle assessment and techno-economic assessment of cultivated meat.
Our submissions to policymakers
GFI submits public comments to policymakers in order to advance alternative proteins strategically and with integrity.
Meet our policy experts
Jessica Almy, J.D.
VICE PRESIDENT, POLICY
Jessica Almy, J.D., leads GFI’s Policy team in setting legislative and regulatory strategy to promote fair policies and public research for plant-based, cultivated, and fermented foods.
Areas of expertise: regulation, legislation, science and public policy, public health, environmental law, food policy.
Michael Ryan
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF POLICY
Michael Ryan manages GFI’s legislative initiatives and executive branch funding advocacy.
Areas of expertise: Congress, appropriations, legislative procedure, legislative strategy.
Laura Braden, J.D.
LEAD REGULATORY COUNSEL
Laura Braden works on domestic and global regulatory issues affecting cultivated meat and plant-based foods.
Areas of expertise: U.S. and global regulation, patents, litigation.
To USDA in response to their Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on cultivated meat labeling
To the Office of Science and Technology Policy on creating an interagency research initiative on alternative proteins
Multi-member letter to Chair David Scott calling for alternative protein research funding in the reconciliation bill