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 for clear and efficient regulations that prioritize consumer safety and minimize red tape.

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 and Government Relations 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.

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Securing government funding

Government support will accelerate the growth of alternative proteins. Learn how GFI works to secure public funds for alternative protein research.

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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.

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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.

An illustration of alternative protein production methods.

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.

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Key alternative protein policy resources

We’ve put together an informative suite of resources, written by both our Policy and Government Relations team and global partners, to help keep you informed on the latest innovations in alternative proteins, the state of global policy, and the legal and policy solutions that address urgent threats to our food system. 

What our U.S. policy team does

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 and Government Relations team engages leaders at all levels of government to address food system challenges through alternative protein solutions.

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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

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Jessica almy, j. D.

Jessica Almy, J.D.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, POLICY AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Jessica Almy, J.D., leads GFI’s Policy and Government Relations team in setting an innovative policy agenda to accelerate progress on alternative proteins.

Areas of expertise: regulation, legislation, science and public policy, public health, environmental law, food policy.

Laura braden

Laura Braden, J.D.

DIRECTOR OF REGULATORY AFFAIRS

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.

Pepin tuma

Pepin Andrew Tuma, J.D.

LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR

Pepin Andrew Tuma leads GFI’s legislative team in advancing state and federal legislative initiatives that remove hurdles and leverage resources to promote progress on alternative proteins.

Areas of expertise: legislative advocacy, food and nutrition policy, coalition building, campaign strategy

Penny eastman

Penny Eastman

SENIOR 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

Curt chaffin

Curt Chaffin, J.D.

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF POLICY

Curt contributes to creating a better future of food by inspiring and growing our Policy and Government Relations team.

Areas of expertise: strategic planning, management, environmental law

Madeline cohen

Madeline Cohen

SENIOR REGULATORY ATTORNEY

Madeline Cohen works on regulatory and policy issues affecting cultivated meat and plant-based foods.

Areas of expertise: regulatory landscape, domestic policy, and litigation

Michael carter

Michael Carter

POLICY SPECIALIST, DIPLOMACY

Michael supports the Policy and Government Relations team by providing original writing and analysis in support of alternative protein development and deployment.

Areas of expertise: research and analysis, original writing, multilateral fora, global public investment

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Maille O’Donnell

SENIOR POLICY SPECIALIST, PUBLIC INVESTMENT AND INDUSTRY

Maille O’Donnell works to embolden public support for alternative protein commercialization and ensure that agency funders and industry stakeholders have access to accurate information about the alternative protein industry and public resource landscape.

Areas of expertise: Alternative protein commercial landscape, environmental science and policy, project management

Margaret badding

Margaret Badding

POLICY ASSOCIATE

Margaret supports the Policy and Government Relations team by researching policy opportunities and using persuasive writing to engage decision-makers, partner organizations, and the public to advance alternative proteins.

Areas of expertise: Research and analysis, content creation, environmental policy.

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Support our work

Our policy initiatives are made possible thanks to our generous, global family of donors. Philanthropic support is vital to our mission. Connect with us today to discuss how you can help fuel this transformative work.