Project description
Building a case for edible insects
A warming climate, a growing population and changing consumption patterns are straining the food production system. Responding to the growing needs of farmers, producers and consumers, the EU is searching for solutions. The EU-funded NextGenProteins project has identified microalgae, single cell protein and insects as promising sources of alternative proteins. There’s a case for pairing edible microorganisms with emerging technologies. Proteins can be produced through innovative and environmentally sustainable bioconversion processes using industrial waste streams, causing limited environmental impacts and putting minimum pressure on natural resources. NextGenProteins will work to boost the acceptability and trust of consumers towards alternative proteins and processes. Overall, it will help to strengthen food security, sustainability and self-sufficiency of EU protein production.
Objective
Demand for proteins is increasing for food and feed applications. To meet the increasing demand, production will have to double by 2050. However, current protein production, both animal- and vegetal based, has severe negative environmental impacts in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land and water use, as well as biodiversity loss. The EU is not self-sufficient when it comes to protein production and a large proportion of the demand is met with imported proteins with concerns regarding food security and the general competitiveness of the EU. It is therefore of vital importance to find sustainable alternative protein sources that can be economically produced in quantities that meet growing food and feed sectors. NextGenProteins has identified microalgae, single cell protein and insects as three promising sources of alternative proteins that can be produced through innovative and environmentally sustainable bioconversion processes using industrial waste streams. These processes cause limited environmental impacts and pressure on natural resources. Through collaboration between industry and RTD, the project will address key barriers that currently prohibit or limit the application of the three alternative proteins in food and feed, such as production scalability and optimisation, production costs, value chain risks, safety, regulations and consumer trust and acceptance. The project will demonstrate the suitability and economic viability of the alternative proteins in food and feed value chains and explore their market opportunities with the industry, stakeholders, policy makers and consumers. NextGenProteins will find means to improve the acceptability and trust of consumers towards alternative proteins and processes. The project will contribute to strengthening food security, sustainability and self-sufficiency of EU protein production with future-proof supply, as well as long-term reduction of land use, water use, GHG emissions and energy of EU food sector.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
Keywords
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy Main Programme
- H2020-EU.3.2.1.1. - Increasing production efficiency and coping with climate change, while ensuring sustainability and resilience
- H2020-EU.3.2.2.3. - A sustainable and competitive agri-food industry
- H2020-EU.3.2.2.2. - Healthy and safe foods and diets for all
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
113 Reykjavik
Iceland
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Participants (24)
02150 Espoo
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40126 Bologna
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891 22 Ornskoldsvik
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501 15 Boras
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27572 Bremerhaven
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513 SYORUGOTA
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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210 Gardabaer
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47020 San Vittore Di Cesena
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37137 Verona Vr
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1200000 Rosh Pina
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
75002 Paris
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
900 Vestmannaeyjar
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
27572 Bremerhaven
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
13160 Chateaurenard
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02150 Espoo
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Participation ended
438 92 Harryda
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SW1E 5NN London
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IV170PJ Alness
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5035 Bergen
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104 25 Stockholm
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
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10425 Stockholm
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520 LEIRVIK
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438 92 HARRYDA
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105 Reykjavik
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.