Food Innovators Highlight Policy Priorities at First-Ever Capitol Hill Fly-In & Reception

Rhea-AI Summary

On April 25, 2023, leaders in food innovation gathered in Washington, D.C. to advocate for agricultural, climate, and biotechnology priorities in the U.S. The event, organized by various plant-based and cellular agriculture companies including Oatly, sought to raise awareness for sustainable food production and highlight the importance of U.S. leadership in this sector. Key figures like Bruce Friedrich from the Good Food Institute emphasized the potential of alternative proteins and the need for regulatory support to enhance job creation and economic growth. The event also focused on the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill as an opportunity to bolster U.S. food infrastructure and encourage innovation in food technologies.

Positive

• The event gathered influential leaders in the plant-based and cellular agriculture sectors, promoting collaboration and advocacy.
• The U.S. plant-based foods industry is experiencing rapid growth, indicating strong market potential.
• Support from the federal government could lead to job creation and economic growth in the food innovation sector.

Negative

• None.

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Food innovation leaders from coast to coast assembled in the nation's capital today to advocate on behalf of their industries' agriculture, climate and biotechnology/biomanufacturing priorities, as well as to discuss the importance of American leadership in building a safe, secure and sustainable food supply.

The delegation included CEOs, scientists, entrepreneurs and investors from some of the world's leading plant-based and cellular agriculture companies, including Eat Just (the parent company of JUST Egg and GOOD Meat), Finless Foods, Impossible Foods, Next Gen Foods (makers of TiNDLE) and Oatly as well as industry and advocates and trade associations including the Plant-Based Food Association (PBFA) and the Good Food Institute (GFI).

This was the first time these organizations, which have different business strategies, products and manufacturing processes, have come together in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness for diversified, innovative agricultural tools and foods that utilize technological advances for the benefit of human and planetary health. The group hosted policymakers, regulators and media at an invite-only event on Capitol Hill where guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres featuring ingredients from the emerging food brands, curated by popular deli and caterer DC Vegan.

Some of the most successful plant-based and cellular agriculture companies are founded and headquartered in the United States. With investments regulatory certainty from the federal government, this country can reap the rewards of added jobs and further economic growth and strength.

"The Good Food Institute is working to create a world where alternative proteins are no longer alternative. We believe the 118th Congress can help make that vision a reality. Along with our industry partners, including the companies that convened on Capitol Hill today, GFI looks forward to sharing its policy priorities with Congressional leaders," said Bruce Friedrich, founder and president of GFI.

"The U.S. plant-based foods industry is growing fast and PBFA along with the brands that gathered in Washington today, want to ensure that American farmers and rural communities at the core of our food system are reaping the benefits.The Farm Bill represents a powerful opportunity for policymakers to bolster infrastructure and support farmers to enable them to be active participants and beneficiaries in a more sustainable and resilient food system," said Rachel Dreskin, CEO of PBFA.

Making food innovation a U.S. policy priority amid growing global competition

As the global demand for animal products increases, fostering innovative and sustainable food production methods has never been more important. Plant-based food products and a separate category of animal-based products made via cellular agriculture offer new and varied opportunities to build a resilient and nutritious food supply, charting a more robust path for everyone who eats.

These industries are using cutting-edge techniques that can help diversify supply chains and provide sustainable alternatives to meet the growing global demand for meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and dairy. With proper investment and support, the U.S. can maintain its global leadership in the sector. Embracing new foods and their growing markets will be crucial in achieving health, climate change, food security, agriculture and national and economic security goals.

As Congress and federal agencies prepare for the 2023 Farm Bill, the fiscal year 2024 appropriations cycle and administer the bold goals outlined in the Biden-Harris Administration's National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative Executive Order, officials should pay special attention to this sector as an engine for solving some of our nation's most urgent issues.

Innovators and leaders in the industry are recommending that the U.S. government:

• Invest in the future of food through research, development and consumer education.
• Create a market and regulatory ecosystem that allows for innovation and maintains U.S. competitiveness.
• Prioritize good jobs and workforce development throughout the supply chain.

Media Contacts:
Carolyn Englar, Good Food Institute media@gfi.org
Kate Good, Plant Based Foods Association kate@plantbasedfoods.org
Keely Sulprizio, Impossible Foods keely.sulprizio@impossiblefoods.com
Andrew Noyes, Eat Just press@ju.st  
Rachel Soeharto, TiNDLE rachel.soeharto@tindle.com 
Haley Steinhauser, Finless Foods haley@finlessfoods.com  
Sara Fletcher, Oatly, press.us@oatly.com

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SOURCE Finless Foods

FAQ

What was the focus of the food innovation event in Washington D.C. on April 25, 2023?

The event focused on advocating for agricultural, climate, and biotechnology priorities, emphasizing the importance of U.S. leadership in sustainable food production.

Which companies were represented at the Capitol Hill event?

Companies included Oatly, Finless Foods, Impossible Foods, and various other leaders in plant-based and cellular agriculture.

What are the industry leaders advocating for regarding the 2023 Farm Bill?

They advocate for policies that support infrastructure, innovation, and the economic participation of American farmers in the plant-based food sector.

How does the U.S. food innovation sector aim to compete globally?

By investing in research, creating a favorable regulatory ecosystem, and promoting alternative proteins as mainstream options.

What is the significance of the Good Food Institute's statement at the event?

Bruce Friedrich highlighted the vision for alternative proteins to become mainstream, urging Congress to support this transition.