Catalonia has announced a significant investment of €7 million into alternative protein research, specifically for the Center for Innovation in Alternative Proteins (CiPA). The funding will be used to enhance the plant-based food market in Spain, which experienced a 9% year-on-year growth between 2020 and 2022, reaching €447.4 million. Over the course of four years, CiPA aims to establish critical infrastructure such as pilot plants and research facilities, enabling startups to test and develop their products with specialized equipment and expert guidance. Research will also focus on fermentation-made food as a means to reduce food waste by transforming agricultural surplus into consumable products, creating additional revenue streams for farmers.
Aside from bolstering the market, this investment will contribute to Spain’s climate targets, as replacing traditional animal agriculture with plant-based meat has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption. Furthermore, plant-based meat production eliminates the need for antibiotics, thereby mitigating the emergence of superbugs associated with traditional meat production. The Good Food Institute Europe’s senior policy manager, Alex Holst, lauds this achievement as a crucial step in establishing Catalonia as a prominent hub for sustainable plant-based and fermentation-made foods.
The funding originates from the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda of the Generalitat of Catalonia and the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA). The CiPA serves as a research institution dedicated to promoting advancements in the agri-food sector, facilitating scientific knowledge transfer, and evaluating technological breakthroughs. Before the establishment of CiPA, Catalonia and Spain lacked the necessary infrastructure and specialized equipment for alternative protein research. The majority of CiPA’s equipment will be located at the IRTA Monells Center in Girona, Northern Catalonia, where the center will concentrate on precision fermentation techniques and biomass production.
In conclusion, Catalonia’s investment in alternative protein research demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation in the food and beverage industry. By supporting the development of a robust market for sustainable plant-based and fermentation-made foods, this investment has the potential to generate employment opportunities, promote export growth, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.
