State actions supporting the development of the plant protein sector: too long-term goals for the sake of climate change and food security

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State actions supporting the development of the plant protein sector: too long-term goals for the sake of climate change and food security

Meeat Food Tech Oy, the market leader in plant-based protein products in Finland, criticizes the state’s actions in supporting the development of the plant protein sector. An initial survey commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry shows that a domestic protein processing plant would promote the transition to a climate-friendly diet and increase the security of protein production. The study examined the possibility of impact investing to promote the use of plant protein products and increase self-sufficiency of production.

Although the initial survey provides four action recommendations from the perspective of impact procurement, Meeat argues that the target level is too long-term. The need for faster change for the sake of climate change and food security is obvious.

“The state should act more quickly and efficiently in supporting the development of the plant protein sector. Long-term goals are not enough to meet current challenges. We need concrete actions and practical support today, not years later,” says Meeat CEO Mikko Karell.

Meeat encourages the state to use impact investments in the development of the plant protein sector. Impact investments are an excellent way to respond to society’s complex challenges, such as mitigating climate change and ensuring food security.

According to Meeat, the state could use impact investments to support primary production, ensuring the availability and demand for raw materials for final products. This would promote the emergence of the ingredient industry and increase the availability of domestic protein crops, or raw materials.

Meeat also reminds consumers that they have an important role in mitigating climate change, as choosing plant-based food is the most important individual climate action. Emissions from meat production are higher on an annual basis than the entire transportation sector, so increasing the use of  plant protein products is a significant step in fighting climate change.