This comprehensive guide is designed for university students, recent graduates, and career switchers interested in entering the alternative protein field. The tools provided detail insights into the skills required, job types, and the various alternative protein production platforms. Whether you are new to the field or looking to transition your career, these resources will help you navigate your path towards contributing to the future of sustainable food.
Alternative proteins are proteins produced from plants, microbes, or cultivated animal cells. These innovative foods are designed to taste the same as or better than conventional animal products, while costing the same or less.
Plant-based meat (PBM) combines plant-based proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to deliver the tastes and flavours consumers expect from the animal meat they know and love.
Cultivated meat (CM) involves directly harvesting cells from farmed animals and growing them in bioreactors similar to those used to brew beer. The cells undergo similar biological processes to what occurs in an animal, allowing producers to grow genuine animal tissue more safely and securely.
Fermentation-derived (FD) proteins come in several forms. Precision fermentation can create standalone functional ingredients by engineering microorganisms to express specific proteins or fats. Similarly, biomass fermentation leverages the exponential growth of microbes to create delicious, animal-free meats.
Industrial animal agriculture is a major driver of environmental issues, contributing significantly to land degradation and water scarcity, and accounting for up to 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions—surpassing the entire transportation sector. In contrast, cultivated and plant-based meat production have demonstrated the ability to use substantially less land and water and produce far lower air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional meat. As technology continues to advance, these alternative proteins hold even greater promise for enhanced sustainability. By developing and promoting alternative proteins, professionals in this field are helping to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.
Shifting towards alternative proteins increases stability in the global food supply by making it less susceptible to zoonotic disease outbreaks, climate change, and resource scarcity. Industrial animal agriculture is inherently inefficient and ill-equipped to meet the growing demand for protein. This stems from the fact that it takes at least nine calories of crops fed to a chicken to get just one calorie back in the form of meat. The conversion rate for pigs and cows is even worse, meaning we lose between 87-97 percent of the food we cycle through animals to get just a tiny fraction of it back as pork and beef products. Additionally, industrial animal agriculture poses public health risks, particularly through antibiotic overuse, which accelerates the risks of antimicrobial-resistant superbugs.
By joining the alternative protein field, you can become part of a groundbreaking technological revolution. This industry is at the cutting edge of science and technology, integrating skills from various disciplines such as molecular biology, bioprocess engineering, food science, and sustainability studies. Working in this field allows you to break away from conventional food processes and be involved in creating innovative solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. As part of this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, you will have the opportunity to contribute to transformative technologies that have the potential to change the way we produce and consume food for the better.
The Career Map is your guide to navigating the diverse roles and opportunities within the alternative protein industry. It outlines the key steps in the production process, the necessary skills for each role, and the educational paths that can lead to a successful career in this innovative field. Whether you are a student, a recent graduate, or considering a career change, the Career Map provides clear insights and resources to help you embark on a rewarding journey in alternative proteins.
Our research, insights, and advocacy are made possible by the generosity of our 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. The future of food is in your hands, and you can change it for good.
Our research, insights, and advocacy are made possible by the generosity of our 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. The future of food is in your hands, and you can change it for good.
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