Today, nine leaders in precision fermentation announced that they've come together to establish the Precision Fermentation Alliance, a trade organization created to champion precision fermentation as a trusted solution for a more resilient and sustainable food system. The group will serve as an industry voice and global convener for the emerging precision fermentation industry.
Precision fermentation creates nature-identical, sustainable versions of ingredients and products by taking advantage of microorganisms to turn sugars into proteins and other complex molecules. A similar process to brewing alcohol, or fermenting cheese, is now being used to develop sustainable food solutions. Bored Cow, a cow-free dairy milk brand, for example, uses precision fermentation to facilitate milk whey protein growth without needing to include the cow in the process. Impossible Foods also uses precision fermentation to make aspects of its meat alternatives.
The Precision Fermentation Alliance founding members have aligned on the following goals:
• Promote understanding of precision fermentation technology.
• Establish global transparency around ingredients and foods made with precision fermentation.
• Educate and engage those in the food industry to establish best practices regarding food safety, manufacturing, and more.
• Develop market access and the ability to operate and market products effectively by engaging with regulators.
“There is a direct line between food production, climate, socioeconomic opportunities, and equity. How we make our food is one of the foundational ways to change the world around us, and just the beginning of the vision for this group,” said Nicki Briggs, MS, RDN, VP of corporate communications of Perfect Day and chair of the Precision Fermentation Alliance, in a statement. “This alliance codifies what we’ve always believed: a kinder, greener tomorrow is possible through collaboration. This ecosystem of mission-aligned leaders stands to exponentially accelerate what any one member could do alone.”
The Precision Fermentation Alliance will also focus on ensuring that science-based decision-making and informed public policy are used in the regulation of precision fermentation products and technology that are used in food. The Alliance will also provide a forum to discuss issues relevant to the industry.
“As we look to extend the use of this technology to produce an ever-expanding list of food ingredients, such as proteins and fats, we will be able to produce a wide variety of our most beloved foods animal-free, and with a much lower environmental footprint,” said Irina Gerry, CMO of Change Foods and vice chair of the Precision Fermentation Alliance, in a statement. “Ushering in this new era in food requires clear communication, thoughtful policy, consistent regulation, and stakeholder engagement, which this alliance is positioned to do.”
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