California: Sustainable protein innovation
California is the epicenter of the U.S. alternative protein industry, boasting nearly a third of all consumer brands, manufacturers, and ingredient suppliers. With its agricultural expertise, world-class research institutions, and strong innovation culture, California is poised to lead on sustainable protein production.
Save this document
Supporting farmers
Plant-based and cultivated meat, dairy, and eggs turn crops and their sidestreams (including starch and meal) into high-value ingredients, transforming otherwise costly waste into commercially viable food products. With key alternative protein ingredients grown in the state (over ⅓ of the country’s vegetables and ¾ of nuts), California crop farmers stand to benefit from this growing industry.
Securing a water-secure future
California farmers who incorporate plant proteins and feedstocks into their existing operations may enjoy new sources of income while ensuring a more sustainable, resilient, and water-secure future. Plant-based meat and cultivated meat can reduce water use by up to 99 percent and 66 percent, respectively. As water becomes a limited resource, alternative proteins offer a water scarcity solution.
Bolstering industry
California has the largest concentration of alternative protein brands, manufacturers, and ingredient suppliers in the country, with over 150 companies headquartered in the state. California is the birthplace of the plant-based protein industry and is also home to many cultivated meat and fermentation companies.
Driving research
The University of California System is delivering breakthrough research findings to support the success of California companies, with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), paving the way.
Strengthening state investments
While California has been at the forefront of the alternative protein sector, other states are prioritizing the sector and ramping up support. In 2024, Illinois matched California’s level of R&D investment in the sector to leverage a $51 million federal investment and launched the Alternative Protein Innovation Task Force. Massachusetts recently invested $10 million to support the state’s alternative protein industry.
Further state investments will help California maintain its edge in this sector, bolstering corporate growth and job creation and helping to meet key climate goals. California can continue to lead in alternative proteins by supporting research at its state universities and by making grants, loans, and incentives available to alternative protein companies to hire workers and build manufacturing facilities in the state.
Related resources
How alternative proteins expand opportunities for farmers and agriculture
Explore our fact sheet to learn how alternative proteins support farmers, expand opportunities for agricultural livelihoods, and help create a healthy, resilient agriculture sector.
Environmental impacts of alternative proteins
Explore the environmental advantages of alternative proteins in diversifying the global food supply. With minimal land and water use, lower GHG emissions, and reduced pollutants, investing in alternative proteins ensures…
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.
The United States should prioritize public investment in alternative proteins
Publicly funded research on alternative proteins will benefit the American economy, food security, and consumers.
