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.
What are alternative proteins?
Given how essential alternative proteins are to a global protein transition, the term itself needs to be universally understood, on the tip of more tongues, and at the top of more agendas.
Key policy resources
Resource
Alternative proteins for a sustainable, secure, and prosperous future
Alternative proteins create a path to a sustainable, secure, and prosperous future. Policymakers should prioritize investments to improve the quality, affordability, and accessibility of alternative proteins.
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
Alternative proteins ensure American competitiveness
Plant based foods have gained momentum and notable market share. Read our report explaining why the U.S. should build up a domestic alternative protein industry.
Breakthrough Energy supports alt proteins as a critical climate solution
Climate NGO Breakthrough Energy’s suggestions for government policies that can help put alternative proteins on a path to success.
GINA report: $10.1b investment needed to realize benefits
This Global Innovation Needs Assessment, co-funded by the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and the ClimateWorks Foundation, conveys the economic benefits of alternative proteins and quantifies the level of investment needed to achieve optimal results.
The Breakthrough Institute: Government should support alt proteins
“The Case for Public Investment in Alternative Proteins” from the Breakthrough Institute lays out the best arguments in support of federal investment in research, innovation, and partnerships to advance the field of alternative proteins.
What does our U.S. policy team do?
Through public research, fair regulation, and smart investment, the U.S. government has a crucial role to play in making our food future more sustainable, secure, and just. GFI’s U.S. policy team engages leaders at all levels of government to address food system challenges through alternative protein solutions.
Our submissions to policymakers
GFI submits public comments to policymakers in order to advance alternative proteins strategically and with integrity.
Protein Innovation Nation Newsletter
Protein Innovation Nation is a monthly newsletter covering local and national updates around public research funding, regulation, legislation, and labeling. Hear the latest on key market updates, new reports, and opportunities at GFI.
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.
Penny Eastman
ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
Penny helps to create a sustainable, secure, and just food system by advancing alternative proteins in Congress.
Areas of expertise: government relations, lobbying, legislation
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