Transforming The Food System

What can governments do
TRANSFORMING THE to support sustainable

food systems
transformation and the
FOOD SYSTEM – alternative,

complementary protein
industry?
OPPORTUNITIES FOR This paper provides a

good practice framework
WESTERN AUSTRALIA for transforming food

systems so they are more
sustainable, healthy,
affordable and accessible.
Commissioned by
Lisa Baker MLA
Maylands
Lead Author
Liz Lennon, Research
Officer for Lisa Baker MLA
Maylands
Report: May, 2024
Research Intern
Francesca Foschi,
Disclaimer: opinions expressed within this paper are solely Lisa Baker’s. McCusker Centre for
They do not necessarily reflect the views of the WA Government. Citizenship
CONTENTS:
1. FORWARD FROM LISA BAKER 2
2. FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION & ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS 4

2.1 FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION – IT’S IN OUR BACKYARD. 4
2.2.1 WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS? 5
2.2.2 CHALLENGES FACING THE ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN INDUSTRY. 6
3. GOVERNMENTS’ ROLE IN SUPPORTING FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION AND THE ALTERNATIVE

PROTEIN INDUSTRY. 9
3.1 INTRODUCTION 9
3.2 WA’S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES & CHALLENGES AND HOW THE WA GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE SUPPORT . 10
4. WHOLE OF GOVERNMENT APPROACH & PARTNERSHIPS 13

4.1 INTRODUCTION – WHAT IS REQUIRED? 13
4.2 GLOBAL GOVERNMENT GOOD PRACTICE 14
4.3 GOOD PRACTICE IN AUSTRALIA 15
5. STRATEGIES: PLANS: POLICIES 17

5.1 INTRODUCTION 17
5.3 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS GOOD PRACTICE 18
6. PUBLIC INVESTMENT 19
6.1 INTRODUCTION 19
6.3 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS’ GOOD PRACTICE 21
7. LEGISLATION: STANDARDS: REGULATIONS 24

7.1 INTRODUCTION 24
7.3 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS’ GOOD PRACTICE 26
8. INDUSTRY SERVICES 28
8.1 INTRODUCTION 28
8.3 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS GOOD PRACTICE 29
9. KEY ORGANISATIONS 30
10. REFERENCES 31
Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 1

1. Forward from Lisa Baker
The UN estimates the global population will reach nearly 10 billion people by 2050,
LISA BAKER MLA
requiring a 60 to 70 per cent lift in food production. Current global food systems rely on
animal-based protein sources and as such, won’t be able to meet that demand for protein
MAYLANDS.
from the future population. We need to support the development of alternative or SPEECH TO WA
complementary proteins, or we will face a global food shortage. PARLIAMENT
FEB 13, 2024
There are both challenges and opportunities in how we will provide people with healthy,
affordable, accessible, and sustainable food in the very near future. It is essential that we
turn our attention to what we are doing now to provide for the health and sustainability “Future foods must
of humanity, animals, and the planet. protect the planet
and provide food for
Food production currently accounts for 70% of the world’s consumption of fresh water.
everyone.
30% of food is wasted between the time it is produced and the time it is consumed. Food
systems create between 25% and 33% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers, scientists,
entrepreneurs,
If growing populations and the environmental impact of our current food production and
innovators, and
processing systems are not enough to concern us, we also need to factor in rising
governments are key
concerns about food security and food supply chain vulnerability in a time of global
to achieving a
uncertainty. Additionally, there are issues regarding anti-microbial resistance inextricably
sustainable food
linked to our current animal -based protein production systems.
system.
I recognise, as does the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Creating alternatives
(CSIRO), in its Reshaping Food Systems report, that the agriculture and primary
to our animal-based
production industry is working towards sustainability in its practices. While supporting
sources of protein is
efforts by the agricultural sector to transform sustainably and thrive, it is also important
therefore critical…
to support the development of alternative or complimentary protein sources.
Alternative proteins
The alternative protein sector is expected to grow globally into a $AUD65 billion market
use less land and
by 2034. Where are we? What are we doing in this space? Which part of the market are
water and emit
we securing? Our state needs to do things differently. We need to show leadership in this
significantly less
space. Our neighbouring states like Victoria are forging ahead in strategies designed to
greenhouse gases.
optimise this new market.
Most have less salt,
I have been championing the alternative, complementary protein industry sector to WA less fat and way
Parliament, our Ministers, and to our consumers in Western Australia since 2018. I will more fibre…
continue to research the progress of this industry around the world to highlight emerging
Alternative protein
trends and good practice.
does not use
This paper is the next stage in my work to highlight the critical role that alternative antibiotics;
proteins play in creating sustainable, affordable, healthy, and accessible future food therefore, there is far
systems. I have identified five core areas where governments can provide support to less chance of
the alternative protein industry and provide examples of good practice from global, antimicrobial
national, state, and local governments. I have developed a series of recommendations resistance.
to the WA government under the 5 themes.
Finally, and for me
This work is my passion and I want to be part of making a difference for the planet, the most important
people and animals that dwell here. thing, is that it is free
from animal cruelty.”

Five Key Recommendations to WA Government
To support a transformation into sustainable food systems,
take effective climate action & develop the alternative
protein industry in Western Australia.
1. Whole of Government Approach and Partnerships
1.1 Develop a WA Food Systems cross-government Working Group (Food Working Group) that
includes alternative proteins as part of transforming food for a sustainable future.
1.2 Work with Federal government on sustainable food systems transformation.
1.3 Build collaborations and partnerships with relevant alternative protein think-tanks, member
bodies, farmers, agribusiness, and industry.
2. Strategies: Plans: Policies

2.1 WA has a Minister for Food. The Minister, through the Food Working Group, should develop a
WA Sustainable Food Systems Plan that includes alternative proteins.
2.2 The Food Working Group develop a specific alternative protein industry development plan that
identifies actions along the value chain for WA, building on our competitive advantages, so we
can build a world class alternative protein gateway to the Asia Pacific markets.
3. Public Investment
3.1 The Food Working Group investigate the public investment, and other forms of incentives,
needed to create large manufacturing facilities that can be used by alternative protein food
manufacturers. This would include consideration of incentives across potential regional locations.
3.2 The Food Working Group explore federal and global funding opportunities to action their
Sustainable Food systems and Alternative Protein industry development plans.
3.3 The Food Working Group investigate what government financial incentives can be provided to
grow the alternative protein industry in WA.
4. Legislation: Standards: Regulations

4.1 WA government should add sustainable and healthy alternative protein products to its
procurement policies for schools, prisons, hospitals, and aged care facilities.
4.2 Government needs to acknowledge the link between food systems transformation and climate
action in relevant legislation, including Climate Action legislation.
5. Industry Services
5.1 Food Working Group Identify workforce needs of the alternative protein industry with the Food,
Fibre & Timber Industries Training Council.
5.2 Food Working Group create a portal that clarifies government industry services to the alternative
protein industry in WA.

2. Food systems transformation &
alternative proteins Making food systems
work for people and
planet - UN Food systems
2.1 Food systems Transformation – It’s in our backyard.
Summit. Italy 2023
We know current global food systems, which rely heavily
on animal agriculture, are responsible for between one- In the face of multiple
quarter and one-third of all global greenhouse gas
emissions. Feeding a growing global population, expected interlinked crises, our
to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and meeting increased global food systems
demand for high quality protein will require us to provide
a diversified range of protein-rich food in a more are strained.
sustainable way.
A confluence of factors —
Australia has people and businesses with the skills and will the COVID-19 pandemic,
to develop alternative protein supplies, but they need rising inflation, the cost-of-
support. living crisis, the triple
Dr Simon Eassom, CEO Food Frontier (2024). planetary crises, economic
distress, natural disasters
Food systems involve the production, processing, packaging, distribution,
and regional and national
consumption and disposal of food and beverages. The CSIRO (2023) Reshaping
unrest and conflicts —
Australian Food systems report maintains that our food systems are important
because they deliver food and nutritional security at home and abroad. The impede progress towards the
report notes, however, that “food systems also face unprecedented economic, achievement of the SDGs by
social, environmental, governance and geopolitical challenges” (p. iv). 2030 …
The current system for global food production relies on animal-based protein “The hidden social,
sources and as such, drives a loss of biodiversity, pollution, and deforestation. economic, and
This system is also responsible for immense animal cruelty, directly impacts environmental costs
species loss, and creates human and animal sickness. associated with today's food
It is critically important that the WA government connects climate action and systems amount to a
food systems transformation at all levels of its work. The United Nations (UN), staggering $USD12 trillion...”
the European Commission and the recent COP28 Declaration, signed by (p. 2).
Australia, have acknowledged that current food systems impact on climate
change. “As disruptive shocks
If we want to be able to feed populations into the future, then the become more frequent, it
development of sustainable, affordable, healthy, and accessible food systems becomes crucial to take
is needed. Alternative proteins can be part of the solution. The CSIRO (2022) multisectoral action to
National Protein Roadmap estimates that by 2035, 22% of the world’s protein enhance resilience. This
needs could be met by alternative sources. requires coordinated efforts
across different sectors to
build robust systems that
can withstand and recover
from such disturbances”
(p. 5).

The Boston Consulting Group’s Food for Thought: The Protein Transformation report (2021, p. 2) stated that:
Alternative proteins also open an opportunity for individuals to contribute to

the fight against climate change. For instance, every portion of spaghetti
Bolognese made with plant-based meat avoids as much greenhouse gas as a
new car emits when driven 10 kilometres. Nine out of ten of the world’s
favourite dishes will have a realistic alternative by 2035.
2.2 Alternative (complementary) proteins: Part of the solution to a food systems crisis
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (2018, p. 1) states that “global food systems
need to be reshaped to be more productive, more inclusive of poor and marginalised populations,
environmentally sustainable and resilient, and able to deliver healthy and nutritious diets to all. ” They do not
deny that there are complex, interlinked, and systemic challenges to be met at local, national, and global levels.
In searching for an alternative to animal base proteins sources, alternative or complementary proteins are not
the only protein or agritech solution to these issues, but they are a critical part of meeting growing food demand
and creating sustainable food systems.
Alternative proteins can be more sustainable than many conventional protein production processes, using less
land and water, emitting less greenhouse gases and using no antibiotics, thus decreasing the risk of antimicrobial
resistance. A challenge for all food production and processing systems, traditional or alternative, will be to
incorporate renewable energy solutions along the value chain.
Australia has a well-deserved reputation for its work in transforming agricultural and farming systems to be
more sustainable. The April 2024 Food Frontier report stated:
The significant action being undertaken … agriculture and food industries to

meet 2050 net zero targets are to be applauded ... However, in the combined
context of climate change, growing global food security and nutrition-related
public health concerns, and ongoing disruptions to domestic and international
supply chains, the future of Australia’s food systems is not guaranteed by
sectoral decarbonisation alone (p. 1).
While supporting efforts by the agriculture sector to transform to more sustainable processes, it's also important
to support the development of alternative or complementary protein sources and their industry. Providing
support is an important way for Australia and WA to deal with future food insecurity, climate action and the
production of healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. It’s not a competition between traditional and
alternative protein producers – there is room for everyone to be part of the future food solution. Alternative
proteins are part of the supply side solution to providing sustainable, healthy, and affordable food choices to
meet global and local protein demand.
2.2.1 What are alternative proteins?
Alternative proteins can be seen to be complementary to animal-based proteins and are generally divided into
3 groups, although there are additional groupings emerging that include insects, seaweed and potentially – air,
water, and electricity. For the purposes of this paper the three key groupings utilised by organisations such as
Good Food Institute (GFI), Food Frontier and Cellular Agriculture Australia will be used.

Plant-based - Foods that are produced from plants and can be
substituted directly for conventional animal-based products, such as
meat, seafood, milk, eggs, and dairy.
Fermentation - Foods produced using biomass or precision
fermentation. Biomass fermentation is the process of using
microorganisms to make protein-rich food. Precision fermentation
uses microorganisms to produce specific functional ingredients,
including proteins, vitamins, and flavour molecules.
Cultivated - Meat produced directly from animal cells. This is done by
extracting cells from a living animal and growing them in bioreactors.
Cells can be differentiated into muscle, fat, and other cell types to
create products that have the same or similar three-dimensional
Source: https://gfi.org.
structure, nutrition profile and organoleptic properties as conventional
meat.
2.2.2 Challenges facing the alternative protein industry.
The alternative protein industry faces challenges along the Value Chain, as illustrated in the diagram below
developed by the Good Food Institute. Government’s role in supporting opportunities and ameliorating
challenges with the industry along the Value Chain is detailed within this paper.
It is critical for the alternative protein industry that, as they scale up production, they stay transparent about
sustainability and food safety along the whole value chain. Consumer acceptance of alternative protein products
will rise or fall and is dependent on their awareness and acceptance of the health and sustainability credentials
of the products.
Additionally, consumers raise their own specific concerns regarding alternative proteins. Currently, the
alternative protein industry faces consumer resistance on:
Taste - Alternative protein products need to taste like their meat or fish counterparts. This is a work in
progress for the industry.
Texture – There is a ‘texture profile’ that consumers expect, and the industry is making improvements each
year, often supported by government, industry, and research institutions.
Price – Price parity is a core goal for alternative protein producers. Parity is close to or achieved in the plant-
based sector of the alternative protein industry.

There are a range of challenges and needs facing the alternative protein industry (see table below). Some
challenges impact across the industry, but there are also very specific challenges faced by different areas.
One specific challenge identified in the April 2024 (p. 13) Food Frontier report is that:
Despite large volumes of domestic production of many of the grains and

pulses used in plant protein products, Australia is missing out on key value
addition opportunities because of limited domestic processing (e.g.,
fractionation) capacity and food manufacturing (e.g., extrusion) capability.
There is an immediate need to increase processing and production capacity to meet present and future
consumer demand. Processing and manufacturing infrastructure for the alternative protein industry rarely
attracts venture capital funding as the returns are longer term than investors want. This is a critical opportunity
for government public investment in partnership with the industry.
Alternative Protein Industry

and Needs for Growth
Plant-Based Needs Fermentation Needs Cell Cultivated Needs
Crops need to be high protein. Increasing metabolic efficiency with Increase metabolic efficiency thus
which microorganisms convert their improving the speed and output of
Most of the raw materials that are feedstock into protein to decrease the culturing process.
grown in Australia are exported. costs.
Alterative protein manufacturers Decrease media cost and use it
interested in using Australian raw Find carbon feedstock that is less more efficiently. This is the highest
ingredients. expensive. cost factor.
R&D on improving flavour and Improve and scale up harvesting Replicate fibrous quality of
texture of products. and protein extraction processes. conventional meats.
Perfect extraction, formulation Reduce cost and complexity of Large scale biomanufacturing
and texturizing to lower cost and additives. facilities to increase production
price of finished product. output.
More Fermentation infrastructure Address challenges created by a
Reduce artificial flavours and and/or partnerships between regulatory environment that is not
replace with plant extracts. Alternative Protein and existing clear and differs across countries.
fermentation industries such as
Production facilities that can wineries and breweries. Address variations in consumer
scale up amount of product and understanding and acceptance.
reduce cost and price. A skilled workforce prepared to live
in regional areas. Price parity with conventional meat
Implement new technologies products.
along the value chain. R&D along the value chain.
Skilled workforce.
Improve labelling and packaging.
R&D along the value chain.
Get a clearer understanding of
diverse consumer needs before
developing products.

2.2.3 Opportunities waiting to be seized.
• The alternative protein industry wants to buy and use Australian grown raw ingredients.
• Alternative protein businesses are diversifying their products to meet different cultural food
tastes.
• Technology disruption can be both an opportunity and a challenge for the alternative protein
industry. Alternative proteins created from air, electricity and water are being explored. They
require no agricultural inputs.
• Federal and state governments are recognising both the need for sustainable food systems
transformation as well as the role alternative proteins can play as a sustainable and
complementary protein solution. They are increasing their public investment in the alternative
protein industry. There is progress to be made in terms of a coordinated and strategic national,
state, and local approach to these critical food issues.
• Australia’s research, development and innovation capacity is world class. The CSIRO and many
Australian universities are partnering with governments to develop sustainable, healthy, and
affordable food systems that include alternative proteins.

3. Governments’ role in supporting food
systems transformation and the
alternative protein industry. ALTERNATIVE
3.1 Introduction PROTEINS & UNITED
There are five key areas that are within our Federal and WA Government’s remit NATIONS SDG’S
to transform food systems and support the development of the Australian
alternative protein industry.
The transition to
alternative proteins could
contribute to at least eight
of the UN’s 17 Sustainable
Development Goals
(SDG’s):
Whole of Government Approach and Partnerships – there is a need to develop

a whole of government approach to this issue at state and federal levels.
Governments also have a role to facilitate Public/Private partnerships to support 1. Zero hunger
food systems transformation and the development of an alternative protein 2. Good health and well-
industry in Australia and WA. being
3. Decent work and
Governments play a critical role in facilitating partnerships between existing
agri-businesses and the alternative protein sector. Other stakeholders such as economic growth
research and academic institutions; Industry Training Councils; and industry 4. Industry, innovation,
peak bodies and think-tanks, are also key partners. and infrastructure
5. Responsible
Strategies: Plans: Policies – governments must create sustainable food systems
consumption and
and alternative protein industry development strategies and plans. Cohesion
production
and collaboration towards a shared goal is essential and best actioned by
overarching strategic vision and plans at Federal and State levels. 6. Climate action
7. Life below water
Public investment – is required in research and innovation, as well as alternative
8. Life on land
protein manufacturing and processing infrastructure. Public investment can also
include industry targeted funding; incentives to growers and the alternative
protein industry to develop sustainable proteins, and tax incentives to assist the
industry.

Legislation: Standards: Regulations - governments should provide a legislative framework to drive food systems
transformation in all its forms. This would be supported by relevant regulations, standards and labelling
protocols codesigned with the industry. This includes National Dietary Guidelines with sustainability as part of
their health framework.
Industry Services – it would be invaluable for government services to be directed to the growth of the industry
in WA including a focus on development and capacity to produce and export their products and provide
economic opportunities for WA farmers and allied businesses. This would also include talent attraction and skills
development for the industry. Industry services could also include marketing and promotion activities focusing
on new national sustainable dietary guidelines.
3.2 WA’s competitive advantages & challenges and how the WA Government should provide
support.
In WA there are several opportunities and challenges regarding food systems transformation as well as the
development of the alternative protein industry (see Summary Table on page 12). Given our state is the closest
Australian state to the largest, and growing, markets for alternative proteins, the Asia Pacific Region (APAC),
(Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 2022), we are presented with a unique
opportunity. Multiple research reports have identified APAC as a critical alternative protein market. The Good
Food Institute (GFI) APAC and Food Frontier have published detailed reports on these markets, consumer needs
and government support.
Having the only Food Minister in Australia provides a real opportunity for WA to create an overarching food
systems transformation plan that includes both traditional and alternative proteins that are sustainable, healthy,
and affordable. Creating a WA government Food Systems Working Group would be a show of real leadership to
the rest of Australia. The Food Systems Working Group could lead the food systems transformation plan and
include alternative proteins as part of a sustainable solution.
The WA government has a key role to play in facilitating connection and potential partnerships between
themselves and the alternative protein industry; between the alternative protein and agricultural industries;
and with research organisations and potential export markets.
Food Frontier’s Report (2024) identified that while there are currently 3 commercial scale plant protein
fractionation facilities in Australia, at least another 10 were needed to meet current demand. Australia, and
potentially WA, could host up to 20 of these facilities given expected future domestic and global demand, much
of which will be focussed on Southeast Asia. The Food Frontier Report (2024, p. 14) also highlighted that,
… there is a significant opportunity in the construction of co-access and

contract manufacturing facilities, with some estimating there are more than
1000 food companies around the world looking for somewhere to
manufacture their products. Regional Australia could be a major beneficiary
of this development.
If the WA government invested in creating these facilities, they could attract multiple alternative protein
producers to this state. Public/private investment in these facilities would free up a current blockage in the value
chain.
The WA government has invested in the Pinjarra Food Innovation Precinct and partnered with Murdoch
University to create the Sustainable Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) project. Other universities, including
Edith Cowan University, have developed partnerships with Singapore on significant research and development
(R&D) alternative protein initiatives. Our R&D capabilities in WA are significant along the whole value chain. We

need to identify current and future R&D more clearly for sustainable food systems transformation and the
development of an alternative protein industry in WA. The WA government provides a range of industry services
that should be promoted vigorously to the alternative protein industry.
Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of this Report provide more detail on the 5 government roles regarding food systems
transformation and the development of the alternative protein industry. Exemplars of good practice from all
levels of Australian government, as well as governments globally, are outlined.

Summary Table: Opportunities and challenges for the Western Australian
Government
Opportunities Challenges WA Government
Whole of Govt Approach & Partnerships Whole of Govt Approach & Partnerships
Alternative Proteins can
be Healthy & Multiple government departments are Develop a cross-government departmental
Sustainable responsible for food systems Food Working Group that includes alternative
transformation, climate action and proteins as part of the solution.
Alternative Proteins use alternative protein industry. Work with Fed government on food systems
less land and water
Strategies: Plans: Policies Strategies: Plans: Policies
than traditional protein
WA has a Food Minister. There is a need for a
products.
No Federal Food Minister or National WA Food systems Transformation Plan that
Food systems transformation Plan that includes Alternative Proteins.
There is Increased
includes the Alternative Protein industry.
consumer interest in
• Need a specific Alternative Protein Industry
trying Alternative
• WA has no food systems or alternative action plan for WA to build on our competitive
Protein products.
protein industry development plan. advantages so we can build a world class
Alternative Protein gateway to the Asia Pacific.
Diverse product
Also, to value add our crops for the industry.
offerings are being
Public Investment Public Investment
created to meet
Need for expensive processing Public investment needed to create large
different cultural eating
infrastructure by alternative protein manufacturing facilities that can be utilised by
preferences.
businesses. Alternative Protein food producers.
Food manufacturers
R&D to improve flavour, texture, • Pinjarra Food Precinct and SIFT project as well
and investors will move
increase protein content and reduce as DPIRD Food Innovation Project are positive
to where the
price. Increase protein levels of crops initiatives. Need DPIRD to identify its future
infrastructure and clear
and diversity of raw ingredients available focus more clearly on the development of an
regulatory environment
to alternative protein industry. alternative protein industry in WA.
exists.
Legislation: Standards: Regulations Legislation: Standards: Regulations
WA is the closest state
to the largest Legislative & regulatory environment for A Federal government role.
Alternative Protein cell cultivated meats is still developing in
markets – Asia Pacific. Australia.
WA has introduced new school canteen
WA has strong brand in• Australian National Dietary Guidelines guidelines. WA government should add
terms of Clean and will be introduced in 2026 and include sustainability and healthy alternative protein
Green. sustainability as a core element. products to its procurement policies for
• schools, prisons, hospitals, and aged care
WA is largest grower •of facilities.
lupins (majority Climate Action and food systems Government needs to acknowledge link
exported for pig food). transformation are not formally between food systems transformation and
identified as connected in WA Climate climate action in relevant legislation.
Alternative Protein Action legislation.
food producers want to Industry Services Industry Services
buy Australian grown Identify workforce needs of the industry with
crops. Need for skilled workforce. the Food, Fibre & Timber Industries Training
Council.
We have strong R&D Difficult for industry to know and • Need to clarify government Industry Services
capabilities. navigate govt services. to the alternative protein industry in WA.

4. Whole of Government Approach &
A LT E RNA T IV E PROT E I NS
Partnerships A ND A UST RA LIA N FO OD
4.1 Introduction – What is required? SY ST E M S
T RA NSFO RMA TI O N
Governments, at all levels, should take a much stronger and coordinated RE PO RT – FOO D
approach to food systems transformation and the development of the FRO NT I E R, A PRI L 2024
All key government departments should work together to develop food systems The report underscores
transformation plans, policies, public investments, industry support and the potential
workforce development. Food systems transformation encompasses a range of repercussions of
government departments: inaction, emphasising
Australia's vulnerability
• Climate action and the environment
to missing out on
• Health
• Agriculture
market opportunities
• Industry and Innovation and falling behind in the
• Jobs and Trade global arena.
• Training and Workforce
It lists
Partnerships – are critical, not only between government departments but also recommendations that
with other key stakeholders including private investors; academic and research federal, state and
institutions; the alternative protein industry, including their industry peak bodies
territory governments
and relevant think tanks. Partnerships create an exponential impact when all
can adopt to build
parties leverage each other’s strengths and work together to deal with the
resilience and
complex challenges facing the transformation of food systems and the
alternative protein industry. prosperity in our food
systems.
The role of think tanks and industry driven organisations - The rise of
alternative proteins as a sustainable food source has gained significant A media release in May
international attention, leading to the formation of specialized international and 2024, reported that Food
national bodies dedicated to advancing this sector. Organizations such as Frontier CEO, Dr Simon
Horizon4Proteins and the European Alliance for Plant-based Foods in the EU; Eassom argued:
Protein Industries Canada, Good Food Institute and ProVeg internationally; GFI
APAC, Food Frontier in Oceania, Cellular Agriculture Australia, and Alternative “Australia must
Proteins Council Aust & NZ, all play pivotal roles in shaping the future of food. implement support
mechanisms for more
These entities not only drive research and innovation in alternative proteins, but
sustainable foods if it is
also actively engage in informing and advising governments on the potential and
challenges of these emerging sectors. Their work is crucial in steering policy to achieve its climate
decisions towards more sustainable, efficient, and ethical food systems, change targets and
addressing global concerns over food security, environmental sustainability, and remain a global food
public health. leader” (p. 1).
By fostering collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, and

policymakers, these organizations are starting a food revolution and
transforming the way the modern world produces and consumes protein.

4.2 Global Governments Good Practice
In 2023, there were very positive indicators that food systems transformation and alternative proteins were on
the global agenda. For the first time it was formally acknowledged at COP 28 that food systems transformation
was a critical part of climate action. Whole of government approaches as well as global government partnerships
were formed to work together on these critical issues. To date, the WA Government has not embraced this
challenge.
Overview of global governments good practice:
The United Nations, particularly through the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), has created whole of
government and partnership approaches to sustainable systems transformation, climate action and the role of
alternative proteins as one solution. Some of their initiatives include:
• Food and Agriculture Sustainable Transformation (FAST) – collaborative partnership from COP 27
with the FAO to expedite agriculture and food systems transformation by 2030.
• The UN Food systems Summit of 2021 - highlighted that governments globally were attempting
whole of government approaches and stakeholder partnerships in response to the urgent need for
sustainable food systems. Approximately 70% of countries have focused on strengthening food
systems governance, which involves innovative approaches for cross-sector collaboration.
• COP and specifically COP28 – Conference of the Parties (COP) is convened every year by the United
Nations. COP28, held in December 2023, was the first Conference to acknowledge the critical link
between food systems and climate action. As stated by Edward Davey of the World Resources
Institute (2023, p. 1):
COP28 in Dubai righted this wrong, with a series of breakthroughs at

the nexus between food systems, food and nutrition security,
agriculture, and climate. Indeed, this was the COP when food finally
took its place as central to the climate effort …
It is important to emphasize that food systems and climate action are inextricably linked. Governments, including
the WA government, must acknowledge this and take action to develop responses across all five roles for
government detailed in this report.
COP28 not only acknowledged the critical role sustainable food systems transformation plays in climate action,
but it also resulted in several key initiatives including:
• COP28 Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food systems and Climate Action - signed
by 159 countries including Australia. The Declaration requires countries to bring together their
relevant government departments (agriculture, health, climate, environment, energy, and finance)
to plan and report progress at COP 29 in 2025.
• FAO Food Systems Roadmap - covering a 3-year global systems transformation linked to climate
action (2023a).
• Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation - was launched and is a coalition of
countries (Brazil, Cambodia, Norway, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone) committed to systems
transformation by taking a whole of government approach.
• Call to Action for Transformation of Food Systems for People, Nature and Climate - was signed by
more than 200 non-State actors including farmers, frontline communities, business, philanthropy,
consumers, and cities (2023b).

• UN Food Systems Coordination Hub - established as a direct outcome of the UN Food systems
Summit, the UN Food systems Coordination Hub plays a pivotal role in sustaining the Summit's
follow-up efforts and facilitating the transformation of global food systems.
The European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have
established a strategic partnership to transform global agri-food systems, aiming to make them more inclusive,
efficient, resilient, and sustainable. Within the EU, the European Commission (EC) works to streamline food
systems transformation activities within and across Programmes. It also creates and funds partnerships including
Horizon4Proteins, a collaboration of initially four EU funded projects working on alternative proteins, and in
2023, an additional three more EU funded projects.
Singapore is seen as not only an APAC hub for alternative protein development but also a world leader in the
regulation and acceptance of cultivated meat products. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) coordinates all key
government food systems safety and regulation activities.
The Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) and the Agency for Science,
Technology and Research (A*STAR) have been working to encourage leading companies in food production to
anchor in Singapore and provide the innovation support needed for agri-food companies to innovate and build
up capabilities.
Singapore has expanded its collaborative efforts in alternative protein research and development by establishing
connections with several countries and institutions including Australia and New Zealand. The New Zealand-
Singapore Bilateral Research Programme on Future Foods is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of
Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) of New Zealand and the Agency for Science, Technology and
Research (A*STAR) in Singapore, that aims to accelerate the development of future food solutions.
The New Zealand-Singapore Bilateral Research Programme on Future Foods is a collaborative effort between
the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) of New Zealand and the Agency for Science,
Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore and aims to accelerate the development of future food
solutions, focusing on non-animal protein research.
4.3 Australian Governments Good Practice
The CSIRO are a good example of a federal government department creating diverse partnerships to develop
sustainable food systems and alternative proteins. Through their Future Protein Mission, they have developed
an ingredient manufacturing partnership with GrainCorp and v2food (a business that was established by the
CSIRO) working to build Australian processing and manufacturing expertise to reduce reliance on imported
ingredients and add more value to grains and oilseeds so they can be used in new products. Another partnership
is with Edith Cowan University WA to identify lupin varieties with specific characteristics suitable for breeding
programs to meet emerging plant protein markets.
CSIRO and A*STAR Innovations in Food for Sustainability program call for the partnership of researchers from CSIRO
and the Singaporean innovation ecosystem to develop science underpinning new foods and ingredients and help
accelerate commercialisation. The Program will fund projects that build alternative protein scientific capability for
both countries to addresses major challenges for:
• Economy: food security & industry development

• Environment: sustainability of food systems
• Society: reducing impact of chronic diseases, ageing and
• Food safety threats: providing tools and data for policy makers and regulators to make informed
decisions.

The collaboration is set to redefine the future of sustenance, focusing on innovations that cater to the escalating
demand for sustainable food options, in both Australia and Singapore. It is expected that announcements of the
programs application launch date will be in mid-April 2024.
While WA is the only state with a Minister for Food, there is no formal whole of government approach to food
systems transformation and the development of the alternative protein industry. The Department of Primary
Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) would have a primary role to play in this space and its Food
Innovation team are currently working with other stakeholders. There are at least seven government ministers
who would have some role to play in food systems transformation and alternative proteins: - Minister for State
and Industry Development; Minister for Health; Minister for Agriculture & Food: Forestry; Small Business;
Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy; Minister for Energy: Environment; Climate Action; Minister for
Education; Minister for Training and Workforce; Minister for Jobs and Trade.
The Victorian government formed the Alternative Protein Working Group in 2023. It is a cross-government
working group led by Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), with membership from agencies
within DJSIR (Invest, Launch, Global and Regional Development Victoria), as well as the Departments of Energy,
Environment and Climate Change (DEECA, including Agriculture Victoria within) and the Department of Health.
There are several collaborations and partnerships between local, state, and federal governments regarding
future food innovation. The Shire of Murray is a partner with the Federal and WA governments in the
development of the Pinjarra Food Innovation Precinct. This is an example of partnership at all levels of
government that not only builds food innovation and capacity but also provides regional employment and
economic development opportunities.
Queensland is working to create a Food Biohub in the Mackay area and works closely with local government.
Victoria’s development of the Alternative Proteins Incubation Hub was in partnership with all levels of
government.
Whole of Government Approach and Partnerships

Recommendations to WA Government
Develop a WA Food Systems cross-government Working Group (Food Working Group) that includes
alternative proteins as part of transforming food for a sustainable future.
Work with Federal government on sustainable food systems transformation.
Build collaborations and partnerships with relevant alternative protein think-tanks, member bodies,
farmers, agribusiness, and industry.

5. Strategies: Plans: Policies
5.1 Introduction CSIRO
A whole of government approach should create a strategic plan that encompass
food systems transformation and the development of the alternative protein sector. Based on current
demographic and consumer
Many governments have developed food systems transformation plans that include trends, CSIRO analysis
the development of alternative proteins as a critical part of the solution to the future estimates that the domestic
delivery of sustainable, affordable, and accessible proteins. and export opportunity for
alternative proteins could
Plans should drive policy development, public investment, legislation, regulations, reach $4.1 billion and $2.5
and industry services. billion respectively by 2030…
consumption of alternative
5.2 Global Governments Good Practice proteins may create an
additional $5.4 billion in
In the last three years governments worldwide have shown their commitment to
carbon emission and water
climate action, sustainable food systems transformation and the role of alternative savings annually by 2030.
protein through the development of a range of strategies and plans.
https://research.csiro.au/foodag/susta
inable-solutions/alternative-protein-
When done well, plans deeply inform: sources/
• Public investment
Challenges to Australia’s Food
• Regulations and standards System
• Industry services
1. Food and Water security is
not a given.
The Emerging Proteins NZ Government investment in the opportunities for
2. Dietary risks contribute to
alternative proteins report, the GFI report on Global Policy on Alternative Proteins,
disease burden.
and the Food Frontier Alternative Proteins and Asia report provided excellent 3. Supply chain disruptions
overviews of governments’ plans, investments, industry services, and aggravate food and
regulatory/legislative environments. They critically informed many parts of this nutrition security.
report. 4. Food production is
concentrated across a few
This section will provide an overview of some of the key plans developed globally geographical areas.
and within Australia: 5. Australia has one of the
highest rates of
Campylobacteriosis, the
UNEP’s Sustainable Food systems Strategy and the FAO strategic Framework 2022-
most common foodborne
2031 are key global documents that emphasise the importance of transforming
zootic disease … costing
global food systems to address environmental and health challenges. The FAO the country $AUD2.1b in
strategic framework has four themes: – better production, better nutrition, better 2019.
environment, and better life. 6. Food systems facing skill
and labour shortages.
The European Commission has released several proposals and strategies including
7. Our food systems are
the EU Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy, Food 2030, and the EU Protein
wasteful.
Strategy. All these plans have been backed by significant public investment. On 8. Fragmented governance
January 24, 2024, The EU Green Deal under Food began the Strategic Dialogue on structures and data gaps
the future of agriculture in the EU. impede decision making.
Shaping Australian Food

This Dialogue aims to help shape a shared vision for the future of the EU’s farming
Systems (CSIRO, pp. 2-3).
and food systems. Dozens of EU wide farming, food, health, wildlife & conservation

as well as alternative protein organisations are being included in the Dialogue. The European Alliance for Plant-
based Foods, GFI Europe and the European Plant- based Foods Association are part of the Dialogue.
Singapore provides a very positive model of good practice across the five key government support themes
presented in this Report. The two plans guiding food systems transformation are the Singapore Green Plan 2030
and 30/30 Food Plan. The Green Plan is a whole-of-nation movement to advance Singapore’s national agenda
on sustainable development, while the 30/30 Food Plan is a key Grow Local plan within the Green Plan. The
30/30 Food Plan aims to have 30% of Singapore’s nutrition needs produced in Singapore by 2030. This involves
a whole of government approach, partnerships, public investment, and a range of industry services. It is
coordinated through Singapore Food Agency SFA.
In Canada, Protein Industries Canada developed their Road to $25 Billion strategic roadmap that aims to grow
Canada’s plant-based food and ingredient sector to $25 billion by 2035. It also aims to provide 10% of the world’s
plant-based products by 2035. The Food Policy for Canada is a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring all
residents have access to safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food. It focuses on creating a resilient and
innovative food systems that sustains the environment and supports economic growth.
The USA Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing National Plan launched in 2023 integrated alternative proteins as
one solution to tackling climate, sustainability, and food security concerns.
Currently, there is no National Food Plan that State governments can connect with and action. The Federal
government have released several reports over the last three years that focus on food systems transformation
and include the role that alternative proteins can play. The CSIRO Reshaping Australian Food systems Roadmap
is perhaps the most important work and should inform a National Food Plan. The CSIRO report identifies
alternative proteins as an important part of the sustainable food systems solution and back this through their
Future Protein Missions program.
State governments around Australia have placed different degrees of priority regarding the development of
sustainable food systems and alternative proteins reports and plans. Victoria and Queensland lead the way, with
WA still needing to make better progress in terms of specific plans that address food systems transformation
and alternative proteins.
At the WA Local government level, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale developed a local food action plan, and to
quote their introduction to the plan:
Local government is one of many influences on the food system, and the
Shire’s actions determine the economic, social, and environmental
sustainability of their local food systems.
A list of relevant food systems transformation and alt protein plans from federal, state
and local governments is at the end of the bibliography.
Strategies: Plans: Policies

WA’s Minister for Food, through the Food Working Group, should develop a WA Sustainable Food systems
Transformation Plan that includes alternative proteins. The Food Working Group develop a specific
alternative protein industry development plan that identifies actions along the value chain for WA, building
on our competitive advantages, so we can build a world class alternative protein gateway to the Asia Pacific
markets.

6. Public Investment
6.1 Introduction CAULDRON FERM CEO,
MICHELE STANSFIELD -
HOW GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC INVESTMENT
CAN SUPPORT THE
ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN
INDUSTRY
Financial support
should not necessarily
be tied to jobs.
Build processing
infrastructure in the
regions and this will
attract money and
workforce talent there.
Source: https://gfi.org/wp-
content/uploads/2021/01/Value_Chain_Graphic_Innovation_Priorities_tab_ASAP_website.png Government can
provide opportunities
Public Investment along the Value Chain can include:
to a nascent industry
• Ingredient development & sourcing to the industry through:
• Research, development and innovation along the value chain
• Investing in manufacturing processing infrastructure • Provision of loan
• Developing workforce and talent guarantees for
• Providing industry services infrastructure
• Developing and enacting a legislative and a clear regulatory developments
environment
• Guaranteed offtake
It is very clear that governments have a responsibility and role to play in investing
in the alternative protein industry. Each alternative protein business cannot hold all or some form of
the risk and capital demands across the whole value chain. pooled offtake
between
A UNDP report (2023) stated that:
government,
The vast majority of the hundreds of billions of dollars investors, and
invested annually in food systems is misaligned and driving others
negative outcomes, generating $USD12 trillion in hidden
social, economic, and environmental costs. A • Serviceability for
staggering $USD1.8 trillion is allocated to environmentally
debt
harmful subsidies, with food systems receiving only 3
percent of total public climate finance. UNDP Unlocking
• Lease back options
sustainable investment in food systems.

The following examples of government investment in developing sustainable food systems as well as the
alternative protein industry are not meant to be exhaustive. They are indicative of what governments could do
in Australia and WA.
Despite fiscal constraints, countries are mobilizing funds for food systems transformation, yet financing remains
insufficient, especially in low-income countries. The complex, fragmented nature of funding sources, ranging
from domestic to international and public to private, each with unique requirements, exacerbates the challen ge.
The UNDP have created the Sustainable Finance Hub with the Good Food Finance Network (GFFN). They are
working together to develop a Good Food Investing Framework and are currently developing a ‘Practitioner's
Guide for Investing in Sustainable Food systems Transformation.’
COP28 highlighted that sustainable food systems transformation is a critical part of climate action and the
financial support implications are under scrutiny. Governments, foundations, and a range of financial institutions
committed financial support including $USD519 million from the UAE. Foundations such as the Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation and Bezos Earth Fund also made financial commitments. This funding will be channelled
through the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
Also, at COP28 a Technical Cooperation Collaborative (TCC) was formed, that included CGIAR, in collaboration
with the COP28 UAE Presidency, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Bank, and the
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). They announced a three-year support package to help
countries unlock finance and support for farmers, food producers, small agribusinesses, and local communities
to meet the Declaration goals.
Another positive result from COP28, with the support of over 600 government and non-government partners,
AIM4Climate announced an increased investment of more than $USD17 billion, $USD12 billion of which came
from governments including Australia. Launched by the UAE and the US at COP26, AIM4Climate is an advocacy
and coordination platform for increased investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation.
Food Finance Architecture (FFA) is a comprehensive financial strategy for transforming the global food systems.
FFA is coordinated by the United Nations, in collaboration with a consortium of global organizations and
stakeholders. This collective effort aims to mobilize an annual investment of $USD300-400 billion to overhaul
global food systems significantly.
The European Union’s European Commission has a multitude of funding programs. The selection below provides
a sense of the core funding programs that will impact sustainable food systems transformation and the
development of alternative proteins:
• EU Green Deal - One third of the €1.8 trillion investments from the Next Generation EU Recovery
Plan, and the EU’s seven-year budget will finance the European Green Deal.
• Invest EU - The Invest EU Programme, aimed at fostering sustainable investment, innovation, and
job creation in Europe, plans to mobilize over €372 billion in public and private investment. Some of
these monies part fund the EU Farm to Fork strategy.
• Horizon Europe - the EU's flagship research and innovation program, plans to allocate €10 billion to
research and innovation (R&I) in sectors like food, bioeconomy, agriculture, and environmental
sciences, including the integration of digital and nature-based solutions in the agri-food sector. This
investment will focus on exploring microbiomes, oceanic food sources, urban food systems, and
enhancing the production of alternative proteins, including plant, microbial, marine, and insect-
based sources.

Singapore, through a range of public investments has supported food systems transformation and the
alternative protein industry. Their two key plans, Singapore Green Plan 2030 and 30/30 Food Plan, drive their
public investment decisions. Some examples of public investments include:
• Temasek - Temasek, established by the Singapore government, functions independently as a state-

owned commercial investment firm. It actively invests in the food-tech and agri-tech sectors.
Temasek's portfolio includes significant investments in alternative proteins, vertical farming, and
biotech, with major funding such as $USD65.6 million round for Oatside and a $USD400 million
round for Upside Foods.
• Nurasa - Nurasa, formerly known as Asia Sustainable Foods Platform, is a company wholly owned
by Temasek focused on accelerating the commercialization and adoption of sustainable foods across
Asia. It is deeply involved in nurturing the agrifood technology sector and has launched initiatives
like the Food Tech Start-Up Challenge.
• Singapore Food Story R&D Programme - Developed by the Singapore governments SFA and A*Star
in 2019, this $SG300million+ programme is driven by the 30/30 plan aiming to build a strong base
of R&D capabilities in local research institutions in partnership with industry and undertake cross-
domain research in emerging areas of the agri-tech and food space.
• Future Foods: Alternative Proteins - coordinated by the Agency for Science, Technology and
Research (A*STAR, a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore), focuses
on developing industry-ready capabilities in alternative protein. With a funding of up to
$SG15million+ per program, it aims at enhancing food security and resilience for Singapore,
emphasizing the feasibility, competitiveness, and commercial viability of the projects.
• Food Technology Program - In 2023, Enterprise Singapore, a government agency focused on small
and medium businesses, launched the Food Technology Program to help alternative protein start-
ups enter the market in China.
The Government of Canada has demonstrated a strong commitment to bolstering the country’s plant-based
sector by investing $CAN350 million into Protein Industries Canada, the industry-led, not-for-profit organization
created to position the country as a global source of high-quality plant protein via the “The Road to $25 Billion”
roadmap. This vision includes the construction of 10 to 15 new processing facilities over the next decade,
necessitating an estimated capital investment of $CAN6 to $CAN9 billion. To meet these financial requirements,
the strategy proposes utilizing federal lending agencies to provide long-term capital. It also contemplates the
creation of a Developmental Fund dedicated to supporting the necessary infrastructure for ingredient
manufacturing.
In 2022 the California legislature directed $USD5million to support the research and development of plant-based
and cultivated meats. The funds were allocated to three public universities: UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC Davis,
which have all created successful alt-protein research programs. It also directed $USD600million into delivering
plant based healthy foods to schools across California.
Federal and state governments have invested in processing infrastructure for protein rich crops as well as R&D
along the alternative protein value chain. The examples in this section are not exhaustive but they give a sense
of the focus of different states. Public investment should be led by a whole of government approach,
partnerships, and clear food and alternative protein plans. These aren’t all in place at Federal and State levels.

The CSIRO appears to lead the way in terms of their Future Food systems plan and Protein strategy. This has
then led the focus of their public investment and partnerships across Australia. Some of their key public
investment programmes impacting on food systems transformation and the alternative protein industry include:
• Main Sequence VC – established in 2017 the fund invests in R&D as well as establishing alternative
protein businesses such as Eden Brew and Vfoods. During 2023 Fund 3 has raised $AUD450 million,
surpassing $AUD1 billion in total funds under management.
• Future Proteins Mission – A $AUD150million fund focuses on sustainable farming as well as
alternative protein mission.
• Manufacturing Modernisation Fund, driven by the government 2020 Modern Manufacturing
strategy, could be utilised by alternative protein manufacturers. The second round of funding was
opened in February 2024 with $AUD50million available to small to medium manufacturers.
In WA, the $AUD21.75million Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA) is a state-of-the-art facility
fostering industry innovation to drive business growth, develop new products and exports, and transform
Western Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing industry. FIPWA is funded by Australian Government’s
Regional Growth Fund; State Government and Development WA’s Industrial Lands Authority - Enterprise
Support Program, and Shire of Murray. The WA and Federal government, Food Futures CRC at Murdoch University,
and Shire of Murray invested a total of $AUD15million in the 2024 launched Sustainable Innovative Food
Technologies (SIFT) Centre located within FIPWA. SIFT is a new commercial food factory that will help food and
beverage businesses develop value-added food products for local consumption and global export.
The Victorian government has invested in the alternative protein industry. Breakthrough Victoria is a
$AUD2billion fund that invests in ideas that meet global challenges. In 2023 they funded their first alternative
protein business, Eden Brew. Agriculture Victoria (Ag Vic) has invested $AUD50million in pulse R&D. The
Victorian government invested $AUD12million to develop the glasshouse and incubation hub supporting grain
crop industries to diversify into the plant-based protein market. The glasshouse will also support innovation at
a new Science and Business Incubation Hub — a space where Agriculture Victoria, entrepreneurs and industry
can come together to collaborate and explore product opportunities for plant-based proteins.
In Queensland, Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), funded by $AUD50million from the Federal Department
of Education Trailblazer Program and hosted at the University of Queensland, is a partnership between industry,
universities, and government. They provide commercial advice to food and beverage manufacturers, as well as
programs using bio manufacturing and precision fermentation to enable production of new sustainable
ingredients from lab scale to commercial use. They also have a training centre to train the people needed for
the future food industry.
In 2023 the Queensland government was investing $AUD1million in the development of a business case for a
Future Foods Biohub in Mackay, which would use advanced biomanufacturing to create alternative foods,
protein products and plant extractives. They have partnered with Cauldron Ferm who are a global hyper-
fermentation company based in Orange, NSW. The Queensland government has invested in a range of projects
that can be accessed by alternative protein food producers: a food pilot plant, food technology lab, sensory and
consumer testing facility and the Health and Food Sciences Precinct at Coopers Plain that hosts nearly 200
scientists from government and the University of Queensland.
At local government level there have been investment partnerships with other levels of governments. WA’s
FIPWA and SIFT are supported by the Murray Shire. The Queensland Bio Food Hub development in Mackay has
strong local government support. Many alternative proteins manufacturing and start up facilities often need to

be in regional areas, and this should be seen by governments as food systems, economic and workforce
development opportunities when focusing public investment.
Governments can also fulfill a key financial support role to the nascent alternative protein industry through tax
incentives; loan guarantees, low interest loans and lease back investments that would not necessarily be
available from the venture capital sector.
Public Investment
The Food Working Group investigate the public investment, and other forms of incentives, needed to
create large manufacturing facilities that can be used by alternative protein food manufacturers. This
would include consideration of incentives across potential regional locations.
The Food Working Group explore federal and global funding opportunities to action their Sustainable Food
systems and Alternative Protein industry development plans.
The Food Working Group investigate what government financial incentives can be provided to grow the
alternative protein industry in WA.

7. Legislation: Standards: Regulations
7.1 Introduction
SUPPORTING FARMERS
Consumers want to know that the food they eat is safe. Many alternative
protein products, particularly plant-based products, are starting to be seen by AND GROWERS
consumers as healthy and sustainable additions to their diet. This has been
improved by the industries move to clearer labelling of their products
regarding protein, fats, salt, sugar, and fibre content.
The world’s farmers have
Regulations are developed across the whole value chain including how food is a major role to play in the
produced, labelled, and approved for marketing. While paths to approval do transition to alternative
exist for many novel foods and ingredients, the global regulatory environment
proteins...
is fragmented. The regulatory process can be complex and confusing for food
businesses and becomes more difficult for certain alternative protein To do so, however, they
businesses involved with cell cultured meat, fish, and dairy. Regulatory need the right
approval for cultured or cell cultivated meat is not clear globally but there are
environment.
governments who have and are developing regulatory processes for these
products. Lisa Sweet, head, business
Additionally, many countries have and are developing new national guidelines strategy and engagement
regarding healthy eating linked to sustainable food systems. at the Centre for Global
7.2 Global Governments Good Practice Public Goods at the World
Economic Forum, says:
Regulatory environment
It appears that countries who have a clear regulatory framework in place are “For protein diversification
attracting large investments from global food manufacturers working in the and a shift toward
alternative protein sector. alternative proteins to be
EU Legislation on Novel Foods is framed within The EU's Regulation successful, the entire
2015/2283, effective from January 1, 2018. It streamlines the process for system needs to evolve to
introducing innovative and new foods into the EU market while upholding further support farmer
strict food safety standards. This regulation, which supersedes previous ones,
livelihoods.
expands the categories of Novel Foods to include a wide range of sources such
as plants, animals, microorganisms, cell cultures, and minerals, as well as Farmers can benefit from
specific categories like insects, vitamins, and minerals.
a closer connection to
In January 2023, an American-based start-up received approval in Singapore consumers, training, fair
to produce cultivated chicken based on serum-free media. Eat Just Inc.’s prices, and other
cultivated chicken, has been permitted to be sold in Singapore as an ingredient
incentives to support the
in their chicken nuggets product since December 2020.
transition to a sustainable,
The Singapore Food Authority (SFA) is responsible for Singapore’s food safety. inclusive, efficient,
SFA introduced a Novel Foods regulatory framework in November 2019 (and
healthy, and nutritious
refined in 2022) which requires companies to seek pre-market allowance for
novel food that do not have a history of use as food. They also established a
food systems”.
Novel Food Safety Expert Working Group to provide scientific advice. SFA has Food for Thought – The
worked alongside A*STAR and the Nanyang Technological University to launch
Protein Transformation.
the Future Ready Food Safety Hub (FRESH), a public-private partnership
platform, in early 2021. A key function of FRESH is to build food safety science March 2021. Boston

R&D capabilities for novel foods, functional ingredients, and new food processing techniques as well as provide
consultancy to the industry.
In November 2022, the United States became the second country, after Singapore, to complete a safety
evaluation of a cultivated meat product, paving the way for its market introduction in 2023, with UPSIDE Foods
leading the way. In June 2023, UPSIDE and Good Meat both received USDA approval to sell their cultivated
chicken in the USA. UPSIDE also announced it would be developing a manufacturing facility 10 to 20 times larger
than their existing facility.
In Israel, there is an application process for novel food, requiring one to submit a list of materials, for example,
safety data, allergens, nutritional composition, among others, demonstrating the safety of the product for
human consumption before marketing the product in the country. In January 2024, Israel’s Ministry of Health
announced regulatory approval of the world’s first cultivated meat product by a local company Aleph Farms.
South Korea recently allowed applications for cultivated food while India and Thailand are developing their
cultivated meat approval framework. Political leaders in Malaysia, Japan and China have also signalled their
support for cultivated meat.
National nutritional guidelines

Countries around the world are or have reframed their national nutritional guidelines to:
• Include environmental sustainability
• Link food to climate action
• Encourage more plant based healthy eating
The United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions, as part of their Race to Zero and Race to Resilience
campaigns, have set a bold goal: to have 40% of the world's population adopt the Planetary Health Diet, as
proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, by 2030. This diet, which emphasizes significant changes including
reducing consumption of ruminant meat, aims to improve both health and environmental sustainability.
Finalized in July 2021, the EU's "Code of Conduct” on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices aims
to encourage voluntary actions from middle food supply chain participants like food processors, service
operators, and retailers. Its goal is to enhance the sustainability of the food value chain and foster healthy,
sustainable consumption habits.
The EU funded Smart Protein project recommends establishing Europe-wide Sustainable Dietary Guidelines.
These guidelines would encourage healthier, more environmentally friendly diets by emphasizing plant-based
foods. Additionally, the project highlights disparities in VAT rates for plant-based and animal-sourced products
across EU member states. It advocates for uniform VAT rates to promote sustainable food choices, noting that
some countries, like Italy, impose significantly higher taxes on plant-based milk compared to animal-sourced
milk. Furthermore, the project calls for revising the EU agriculture-promotion policy to include plant-based
products.
A 2022 Lancet paper (James-Martin et al.) on environmental sustainability in national food based dietary
guidelines (FBDG) stated that from their review of 83 countries, only 37 mentioned environmental sustainability
as assessed against FAO 16 guiding principles for sustainable diets. The report found that the most common
guiding principles mentioned in national FBDG’s are: inclusion of plant-based foods (23/62% countries); reduced
inclusion of animal-based foods in the diet (23/62% countries); environmental impacts (21/57% countries);
preservation of biodiversity (20 [54%] countries), and food waste (20 [54%] countries).

The Lancet report further stated that:
Food systems, environmental health, and the health of human populations are
deeply interconnected. Among other factors, supply dynamics and policies
within food systems, such as agricultural subsidies, influence the price and
availability of different foods, which in turn influences food choice and
consumption… An important step towards more sustainable food systems is
the provision of country-specific nutrition policies that take a more holistic
approach and integrate broader issues into nutritional guidance and policies,
and specifically into national food-based dietary guideline (FBDG)
documentation, to promote the purchase and consumption of more
sustainable healthy foods (2022, p. 1).
The report also identified Denmark and Belgium as exemplars in providing clear information and advice to
consumers on the how, what and quantity, regarding more sustainable and healthy eating. Additionally,
Belgium’s FBDG marketing goes even one step further and includes recipes!
In January 2021, Denmark unveiled its Official Dietary Guidelines demonstrating a strategic marketing and
promotion approach to alternative proteins. These guidelines, crafted by the Danish Veterinary and Food
Administration and grounded in scientific research, serve as an innovative blueprint to steer the population
towards healthier, eco-friendlier diets. Central to these guidelines is the promotion of plant-based diets and a
reduction in meat consumption due to its significant environmental footprint.
In the USA, the Californian Governor, in 2018, signed a bill into law requiring all public institutions that “provide
food to ‘captive audiences’” make plant-based foods available to everyone in their care. This included licensed
health care facilities, ranging from psychiatric and general care hospitals, to nursing centres, as well as state jails.
In 2022, the Californian legislature allocated $USD700million: $USD100million to support schools in procuring
plant-based foods and other sustainably produced or California-grown foods, and $USD600million to upgrade
school kitchen infrastructure and to train foodservice workers in preparing plant-based meals and scratch-meals,
which facilitates healthier eating.
Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods refined their formulations and engaged with public health authorities to
emphasise the nutritional benefits of their products. In 2023, Beyond Steak and Impossible Beef Lite were
certified by the American Heart Association heart check programme. This is the first time any plant-based meats
received this designation.
Regulatory environment
The Food Regulation System in Australia and New Zealand is equipped to deal with new types of foods, including
foods produced by new technologies. There are currently no permissions or requirements in the Food Standards
Code for cell-based meats. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is an independent statutory agency
established by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (FSANZ Act) and forms part of the Australian
Government's Health portfolio. The view of FSANZ is that cell-based meats would be captured within existing
standards in the Code and require pre-market approval.
At the end of 2023, FSANZ approved Vow foods cultivated quail as a novel food. FSANZ stated that eating the
quail meat held no health risks, was genetically stable and its bacteria related risks were very low. It’s expected
that the cultivated quail will be available for sale in Australia by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, Vow’s cultivated
quail was approved for sale in Singapore in April 2024 under the Forged brand.

National and State nutritional guidelines
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) have been funded by the Federal government to
review the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines. The body states that:
There has already been an Expert Committee established which identified

sustainable diets—accessible, affordable and equitable with low
environmental impacts as a high priority, along with the relationship between
dietary patterns and health outcomes.
… NHMRC is seeking experts to form the Australian Dietary Guidelines

Sustainability Working Group to advise on the strength and quality of evidence
about sustainability and diet.
Applications to be part of the Working Group closed on March 5, 2024. Sustainability will be part of the main
text of the guidelines to be launched in 2026. This is a welcome move, given that the Lancet report (2022) stated
that:
Australia's FBDGs addressed 11 sustainable healthy diet principles in their

background document; however, the consumer documents … did not include
any reference to environmental sustainability… Australia's background FBDG
document also addressed four of the five environmental guiding principles;
however, most of this discussion was contained in an appendix, diminishing its
prominence considerably.
The WA Department of Health Food Unit is a member of the National Advisory Committee on Novel Foods,
representing the views of the Western Australian government in the assessment and enforcement process. In
WA, food safety is governed by the Food Act 2008 (WA), which was under review in 2022, and is enforced by
the WA Health Department. The WA School Health and Drink criteria ensures school canteen/food service menu
promotes a wide range of healthy food.
The WA Parliament WA Health and Education Standing Committee has recently released a Discussion Paper
‘New Bites: How alternative proteins could improve dietary and planetary health’. The recommendation from
the discussion paper was: ‘Given the multiple health and environmental benefits and the economic
opportunities, the government should provide more support for the development of the alternative proteins
industry.’
Legislation: Standards: Regulations

WA government should add sustainable and healthy alternative protein products to its procurement
policies for schools, prisons, hospitals, and aged care facilities.
Government needs to acknowledge the link between food systems transformation and climate action in
relevant legislation, including Climate Action legislation.

8. Industry Services
8.1 Introduction PLANT BASED ‘ON THE
MENU’
This section of the report will be short as there are a plethora of general
government industry services available to most industries including the
A student led
What is critical is that governments at Federal and state levels engage with the
alternative protein industry to identify their industry service needs. Services
organisation ‘Plant Based
should be industry led. Universities’ has been
campaigning across the
Industry Services can include:
EU for more plant-based
• Development of workforce skills and talents options on the menu.
• Provision of information to industry
• Marketing and promotion of an industry 10 UK student unions
• Export services have voted for plant-
What is interesting are the alternative protein specific services provided by non- based menus.
government organisations such as Good Food Institute (GFI), Cellular Agriculture
Burger King (BK)
Australia and Food Frontier.
Germany has reduced
Cellular Agriculture’s recently launched pay to access Regulation Resource Hub the price of all their
provides a suite of tailored online learning materials and step by step guidance
plant-based meals as
on Australia’s food safety regulation framework for novel foods and food
produces using gene technology.
part of their ‘Plant Based
for Everyone’ campaign.
Food Frontier’s research and reports on the state of the industry and their annual
The campaign aims to
industry conference provide evidence-based data for the industry, government,
investors, and other stakeholders so they can make informed decisions regarding encourage consumers to
food and alternative proteins. Attendance from more government departments try plant-based food and
and relevant ministers at the Food Frontier Annual Conference would be useful demand has increased.
to them and the industry. BK has offered a plant-
GFI APAC recently launched a research report on Plant Based Meat Career based version of almost
Pathways in APAC that will not only act as a guide for future workers but also for every product on their
government and academic institutions. GFI is also known for their research, menu since 2022.
investment, advocacy, and scholarship activities that aim to help the alternative
protein industry thrive along the value chain. ProVeg Belgium
organised a successful
workshop for all Ikea
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has been catering staff teams in
actively involved in promoting alternative proteins. FAO, in collaboration with the
Belgium to develop a
International Sustainable Bioeconomy Working Group, has been hosting
more plant friendly
informative webinars on agrifood industry transformations and alternative
proteins, which are considered a key focus area. menu.
Moreover, FAO has been instrumental in bringing attention to innovations in the From ProVeg e
alternative protein industry sector. Their annual Investment Days event newsletter March 2024

showcases innovations from the world of alternative proteins highlighting companies like Mosa Meat, a Dutch
company pioneering cultured meat production.
The Singapore government departments provide a plethora of industry services to the food industry generally
and the developing alternative protein industry. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and National
University of Singapore (NUS) launched undergraduate-level and graduate-level programmes in alternative
proteins – the first of such programmes in Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia respectively. In 2023 Singapore
announced new work visa rules, specifically designed to attract foreign talent in various sector s, including the
alternative protein industry. These rules are part of an effort to bring skilled professionals in the agri-tech field
to Singapore, with a particular emphasis on alternative protein food scientists. The new visa program highlights
27 jobs across six industries, focusing on attracting foreign professional managers, executives, and those with
specialized skills to the country.
There are many services provided by federal and state government departments to industry.
As has been mentioned throughout this report, government departments such as CSIRO have played a strong
role across the value chain in supporting the alternative protein industry.
DPIRD’s Food Innovation Unit has shown an interest in alternative proteins, and the Food Innovation Precinct
WA (FIPWA) ran a program for some WA alternative protein businesses that linked with the Singapore
government. Details of the FIPWA alternative protein program were not available at the time of drafting this
report.
Industry Services
Food Working Group Identify workforce needs of the alternative protein industry with the Food, Fibre &
Timber Industries Training Council.
Food Working Group create a portal that clarifies government industry services to the alternative
protein industry in WA.

9. Key Organisations
• AIM4Climate: https://www.aimforclimate.org/
• Alternative Proteins Council Australia & New Zealand: https://www.alternativeproteinscouncil.org/
• Cellular Agriculture Australia: https://www.cellularagricultureaustralia.org/
• European Alliance for Plant-based Foods: https://plantbasedfoodalliance.eu/
• Farmers for Climate Action: https://farmersforclimateaction.org.au/about-fca/
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: https://www.fao.org/home/en
• Food and Agriculture Sustainable Transformation (FAST) Partnership: https://www.fao.org/climate-
change/action-areas/access-to-climate-finance/fast/en
• Food Frontier: https://www.foodfrontier.org/
• Food Standards Australia and New Zealand: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/safety/Cell-
based-meat
• Global Alliance for the Future of Food: https://futureoffood.org/
• Good Food Institute: https://gfi.org/
• Good Food Institute APAC: https://gfi-apac.org/
• Green Climate Fund: https://www.greenclimate.fund/
• Horizon4Proteins: https://smartproteinproject.eu/partners/horizon4proteins/
• National Health and Medical Research Council: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-
advice/nutrition/australian-dietary-guidelines-review/about-the-review
• National Institute of Food and Agriculture: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/
• Protein Industries Canada: https://www.proteinindustriescanada.ca/
• ProVeg International: https://proveg.com/
• Te Puna Whakaaronui: https://fitforabetterworld.org.nz/partnership-groups/te-puna-whakaaronui/
• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (Queensland University):
https://qaafi.uq.edu.au/
• United Nations: https://www.un.org/en/
• World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/

10. References
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). (2019). Singapore food story - 1st alternative protein
seed challenge.
https://www.a-star.edu.sg/Research/funding-opportunities/singapore-food-story---1st-alternative-
protein-seed-challenge
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). (2021). SG food story IAF grant call for future foods:
Alternative proteins.
https://www.a-star.edu.sg/Research/funding-opportunities/singapore-food-story-r-d-programme-
future-food-alternative-protein-iaf-pp-grant-call
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. (2019). Food policy for Canada.

https://agriculture.canada.ca/sites/default/files/legacy/pack/pdf/fpc_20190614-en.pdf
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. (2022). Government of Canada invests in digital food innovation hub to
create a stronger food system in Canada. Government of Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2022/04/government-of-canada-invests-in-
digital-food-innovation-hub-to-create-a-stronger-food-system-in-canada.html
Albaladejo Román, A. (2023). EU protein strategy. European Parliamentary Research Service.

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2023/751426/EPRS_BRI(2023)751426_EN.pdf
Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation. (2024). Transforming food systems for people, nature
and climate.
https://allianceofchampions.org/
Andersen, I. (2022). A recipe for sustainable food systems. World Food Summit 2022. UN Environment
Programme. http://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/speech/recipe-sustainable-food-systems
Boehm, S, Jeffery, L., Hecke, J., Schumer, C., Jaeger, J., Fyson, C., Levin, K., Nilsson, A., Niamoli, S., Daly, E.,
Thwaites, J., Lebling, K., Waite, R., Collis, J., Sims, M., Singh, N., Grier, E., Lamb, W., Castellanos, S., Lee,
A., . . . Masterson, M. (2023). State of Climate Action 2023. World Resources Institute.
https://www.wri.org/research/state-climate-action-2023
Cellular Agriculture Australia. (2023). Year in review 2023. Our 2023 Year in Review
(cellularagricultureaustralia.org)
Climate Champions (2022). Transforming our food systems. A call to action. Protecting people, nature and
climate.
https://climatechampions.unfccc.int/system/food-systems-call-to-action
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). (2022). Australia’s protein roadmap
report pdf. Protein. A roadmap for unlocking technology-led growth opportunities for Australia.

https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/services/consultancy-strategic-advice-services/csiro-
futures/agriculture-and-food/australias-protein-
roadmap#:~:text=Developed%20with%20government%20and%20industry,products%20from%20vario
us%20different%20sources
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). (2023). Reshaping Australian Food
systems: Taking a holistic approach, this roadmap articulates options that could inform a transition to
a more sustainable, productive and resilient future for Australia’s food, environment and people.
https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/services/consultancy-strategic-advice-services/csiro-
futures/agriculture-and-food/reshaping-australian-food-systems
Conference of the Parties (COP)28 UAE. (2023). UAE Declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food
systems and climate action.
https://www.cop28.com/en/food-and-agriculture
Cordaid. (2021). The UN Food systems Summit: What, Why and How? Cordaid International.
https://www.cordaid.org/en/story/the-un-food-systems-summit-what-why-and-how/
Davey E. (2023). 6 Major Food Breakthroughs at COP28 — and What Comes Next. World Resource Institute
https://www.wri.org/insights-systems-breakthroughs-cop28-whats-next
Department of Health. (2023). The WA School food and drink criteria. Frequently asked questions. Government
of Western Australia.
https://www.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Corp/Documents/Health-for/Obesity-physical-activity-and-
nutrition/WA-school-food-and-drink-criteria-FAQ.pdf
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. (2022). Western Australian plant protein
processing. Government of Western Australia.
https://agric.wa.gov.au/sites/gateway/files/DPIRD%20Business%20Opportunity%20Online%20-
%20Plant%20protein%20processing-).pdf
Douglas, L. (2023, June 22). A new era: US regulator allows first sales of lab grown meat. Reuters.
https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/upside-foods-good-meat-receive-final-usda-
approval-sell-cultivated-meat-2023-06-21/
Economic Development Board Singapore. (2023). Where can Singapore take the lead in alternative proteins?
https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/business-insights/insights/where-can-singapore-take-the-lead-in-
alternative-proteins.html
Emerging Proteins NZ & Food HQ. (2023). Unleashing Aotearoa New Zealand’s next protein revolution.
Unleashing-Aotearoa-New-Zealands-Next-Protein-Revolution_July-2023-WEB.pdf
(emergingproteins.co.nz)

European Commission (EC). (n.d.). About EIP-AGRI. Agriculture & Innovation.
https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/about.html
European Commission (EC). (n.d.). Agriculture and the green deal.

https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-
deal/agriculture-and-green-deal_en
European Commission (EC). (n.d.). EU Code of conduct on responsible food business and marketing practices.
https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/farm-fork-strategy/sustainable-food-processing/code-
conduct_en
European Commission (EC). (n.d.). Farm advisory system. Agriculture and Rural Development.
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/fas_en
European Commission (EC). (n.d.). Food information to consumers - legislation. Food, Farming, Fisheries.
https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/labelling-and-nutrition/food-information-consumers-legislation_en
European Commission (EC). (n.d.). Legislative framework for sustainable food systems. Food, Farming,
Fisheries. https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/farm-fork-strategy/legislative-framework_en
European Commission (EC). (n.d.). Legislation. What is the current novel food legislation? Food, Farming,
Fisheries. https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/novel-food/legislation_en
European Commission (EC). (n.d.). Income Support Explained. Agriculture and Rural Development.
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/income-support/income-support-
explained_en
European Commission (EC). (n.d.). Novel food. What is novel food? Food, Farming, Fisheries.
https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/novel-food_en
European Commission (EC). (2020). Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the
Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: A farm to
fork strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food systems.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:ea0f9f73-9ab2-11ea-9d2d-
01aa75ed71a1.0001.02/DOC_1&format=PDF
European Commission (EC). (2020). Farm to fork strategy: For a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food
systems.
https://food.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-05/f2f_action-plan_2020_strategy-info_en.pdf
European Commission (EC). (2021). EU and FAO call for the transformation of agri-Food systems. Aid,
Development Cooperation, Fundamental Rights. International Partnerships.
https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/eu-and-fao-call-
transformation-agri-food-systems-2021-05-06_en

European Commission (EC). (2023). The EU pathway towards sustainable food systems transformation.
https://www.unfoodsystemshub.org/docs/unfoodsystemslibraries/national-pathways/european-
union/european-union-pathway.pdf?sfvrsn=48850b55_1
European Commission (EC), Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. (2020). Food 2030 pathways for
action: Alternative proteins and dietary shift. Publications Office of the European Union.
https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/931427
European Commission (EC), Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. (2021). Food 2030 pathways for
action: Research and innovation for food processing. Publications Office of the European Union.
Food 2030 pathways for action - Publications Office of the EU (europa.eu)
European Commission (EC), Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. (2021). Horizon Europe, budget-
Horizon Europe- the most ambitious EU research & innovation programme ever. Publications Office of
the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/202859
European Commission (EC), Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Group of Chief Scientific
Advisors. (2020). Towards a sustainable food system: Independent expert report. Publications Office of
the European Union. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/282386
European Union (EU). (n.d.). InvestEU Programme.

https://investeu.europa.eu/investeu-programme_en
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2018). Sustainable food systems. Concept and
framework. Sustainable Food Systems. Concept and framework | One Planet network
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2021). Strategic Framework 2022-2031.
https://www.fao.org/3/cb7099en/cb7099en.pdf
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2022). Food and agriculture for sustainable
transformation initiative – FAST.
https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en?details=cc2186en
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2023a). Achieving SDG 2 without breaching
the 1.5 C threshold: A global roadmap, Part 1 – How agrifood systems transformation through
accelerated climate actions will help achieving food security and nutrition, today and tomorrow, In
brief.
https://www.fao.org/interactive/sdg2-roadmap/en/
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2023b). FAST Partnership, food and
agriculture for sustainable transformation: FAST - For people, for climate, for nature.
https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cc8159en
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2023). Codex Alimentarius: 60-Year milestone
in food safety.
https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/codex-alimentarius--60-year-milestone-in-food-safety/

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2023). FAO-WHO 46th session of the Codex
Alimentarius Commission adopts new standards.
https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/fao-who-46th-session-of-the-codex-alimentarius-commission-
adopts-new-standards/en
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2023). Making Food systems Work for People
and Planet - UN Food systems Summit +2.Report of the Secretary General.
https://www.fao.org/docs/unfoodsystemslibraries/stocktaking-moment/un-secretary-general/unfss2-
secretary-general-report.pdf?sfvrsn=560b6fa6_18
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2024). Exploring the world of alternative
proteins. FAO Investment Centre.
https://www.fao.org/support-to-investment/news/detail/en/c/1264434/
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2024). Food-based dietary guidelines -
Denmark. http://www.fao.org/nutrition/education/food-dietary-guidelines/regions/denmark/ru/
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). (2024). Sustainable and circular bioeconomy
for food systems transformation. Alternative proteins top the bill for the latest FAO–International
sustainable bioeconomy working group webinar.
https://www.fao.org/in-action/sustainable-and-circular-
bioeconomy/resources/news/details/en/c/1507553/
Food Finance Architecture. (n.d.). Financing a health, equitable & sustainable food system.
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/879401632342154766/pdf/Food-Finance-
Architecture-Financing-a-Healthy-Equitable-and-Sustainable-Food-System.pdf
Food Frontier. (2024). Alternative proteins and Asia.

https://www.foodfontier.org/resource/alternative-proteins-and-asia/
Food Frontier. (2024). Alternative proteins and Australian food systems transformation.
https://www.foodfrontier.org/resource/alternative-proteins-and-australian-food-systems-
transformation/
Food Frontier. (2024, May 16). Food Frontier report urges government action to overhaul food systems for
economic, health, and environmental gains. Food Frontier Media Release.
https://www.foodfrontier.org/food-frontier-report-urges-government-action-to-overhaul-food-
systems-for-economic-health-and-environmental-gains/
Gibson, K. (2023). Food startups in Singapore offered line to mainland China. Alt-Meat. https://www.alt-
meat.net/food-startups-singapore-offered-line-mainland-china
Global Alliance for the Future of Food. (2022). Untapped opportunities: Climate financing for food systems
transformation.
https://futureoffood.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/climatefinancereport-english.pdf

Gomez San Juan, M., Harnett, S., & Albinelli, I. (2022). Sustainable and circular bioeconomy in the climate
agenda: Opportunities to transform agrifood systems. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United
Nations. Sustainable and circular bioeconomy in the climate agenda: Opportunities to transform
agrifood systems (fao.org)
Good Food Institute (GFI). (2022). State of global policy: Public investment in alternative proteins to feed a
growing world. State_of_Global_Policy_Report_2022 (gfi.org)
Good Food Institute (GFI). (2024). Decoding demand. The appetite for alternative proteins in Southeast Asia.
https://gfi-apac.org/decoding-demand-the-appetite-for-alternative-proteins-in-southeast-asia/
Good Food Institute (GFI) Asia Pacific (APAC). (2024). Plant-based meat career pathways.
Plant-Based Meat Career Pathways - GFI APAC (gfi-apac.org)
Good Food Institute (GFI) Europe and European Alliance for Plant-based Foods. (2022). The European plant-
based food sector – R&I priorities to drive further uptake by 2030.
The-European-plant-based-food-sector-RI-priorities-to-drive-further-uptake-final.pdf
(plantbasedfoodalliance.eu)
Government of Canada. (2024). Invest in Canada. https://www.investcanada.ca/
Hemsing, F., & Tronchon, J. (2022). Smart protein policy brief: Policy tools for promoting alternative proteins in
the EU.
https://smartproteinproject.eu/policy-brief/
James-Martin, G., Baird, D. L., Hendrie, G. A., Bogard, J., Anastasiou, K., Brooker, P. G., Wiggins, B., Williams,
G., Herrero, M., Lawrence, M., Lee, A. J., & Riley, M. D. (2022). Environmental sustainability in national
food based dietary guidelines: a global review. The Lancet Planetary Health, (6)12, 977 – 986.
Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00246-7
McGovern, J. (2023, July 28). McGovern introduces new bill to support American farmers and rural
communities through Plant-Based Food Production. Jim McGovern Press Releases.
https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400022.
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment. (2020). Catalyst: Strategic – New Zealand-Singapore Future
Foods Research Programme. New Zealand Government.
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/funding-information-and-
opportunities/investment-funds/catalyst-fund/funded-projects/catalyst-strategic-new-zealand-
singapore-future-foods-research-programme/
Ministry for Primary Industries. (2020). Fit for a Better World - Accelerating Our Economic Potential. New
Zealand Government.
https://fitforabetterworld.org.nz/assets/publications/fit-for-a-better-world-roadmap.pdf.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. (2023). NSERC-SSHRC Sustainable agriculture
research initiative. Government of Canada.
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Innovate-Innover/SARI-ISRAD/index_eng.asp

Neto, M., & Kjorven, O. (2023, October 16). Unlocking sustainable investments in food systems. Your guide to
investing sustainably in the value chain. United Nations Development Programme.
https://www.undp.org/blog/unlocking-sustainable-investments-food-systems
New Zealand Government. (2020). Food and Fibre Partnership Group. Fit for a Better World.
https://fitforabetterworld.org.nz/partnership-groups/food-and-fibre-partnership-group/
Nurasa. (n.d.). Nurasa: Make A Difference in Asia’s Sustainable Food systems. https://nurasa.com/
Pivotal Point Strategic Directions. (2019). Alternative plant-based proteins: a research paper into WA’s ability
to participate in the alternative plant-based proteins market. Department of Primary Industries and
Regional Development.
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/sites/gateway/files/Alternative%20Plant-Based%20Proteins%20-
%20Pivotal%20Point%20Strategic%20Directions%202019.pdf
Plantek, L. (2023). Climate finance is key to making agrifood systems more resilient, efficient, sustainable and
inclusive. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/climate-finance-is-key-to-make-agrifood-systems-more-
resilient-efficient-sustainable-and-inclusive/en
Protein Industries Canada. (n.d.). Canada’s Value-Added Journey to Opportunity, Progress & Prosperity in
Ingredient Manufacturing & Food Processing.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6144ab2db85f89327429389f/t/65457446760ff006fa7be00a/1
699050569720/7755_PIC_2023_25-Billion-Brochure-v9.pdf
Protein Industries Canada. (n.d.). The road to $25 billion 2035: A roadmap for the plant-based food, feed and
ingredient ecosystem.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6144ab2db85f89327429389f/t/618ad451e4fc992e967b207c/1
636488278274/The+Road+to+25+Billion+-+Sector+Roadmap.pdf
PR Newswire. (2023). COP28 Calls on Governments to ensure food systems and agriculture are central to
climate action efforts.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cop28-calls-on-governments-to-ensure-food-systems-
and-agriculture-are-central-to-climate-action-efforts-301884207.html
Secretary General United Nations. (2021, September 23). Secretary-General’s chair summary, statement of
action on United Nations Food Systems Summit. United Nations Meetings Coverage and Press
Releases. https://press.un.org/en/2021/sg2258.doc.htm
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale. (n.d.). SJ Local Food Action Plan: 2021 – 2024.
E22_1814__SJ_Local_Food_Action_Plan_-_2021___2024_-_22124_-_16pp_-_FINAL.pdf
(sjshire.wa.gov.au)

Singapore Food Agency (SFA). (2022, October 26). $165 million allocated to Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D
programme 2.0. Singapore Food Agency Media Release.
https://www.sfa.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/sfa-media-release-on-
singapore-food-story-(sfs)-r-d-2-0.pdf
Singapore Green Plan (2024). A city of green possibilities. What is the Singapore Green Plan 2030?
https://www.greenplan.gov.sg/
Sorrells, M. S. (2023, April 10). Singapore’s new visa program favors alt-food talent. Alt-Meat.
https://www.alt-meat.net/singapores-new-visa-program-favors-alt-food-talent
Sovereign Wealth Funds. (2022). Temasek Leads Investment in the Future of Food.
https://globalswf.com/news/temasek-leads-investment-in-the-future-of-food
Temasek. (2021). Temasek establishes the Asia Sustainable Foods Platform to accelerate the commercialisation
of sustainable foods in Asia.
https://www.temasek.com.sg/content/temasek-corporate/en/news-and-resources/news-
room/news/2021/Temasek-establishes-Asia-Sustainable-Foods-Platform-accelerate-
commercialisation-sustainable-foods
The White House. (2023). Bold goals for U.S. biotechnology and biomanufacturing. Harnessing research and
development to further societal goals. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bold-Goals-for-U.S.-Biotechnology-and-
Biomanufacturing-Harnessing-Research-and-Development-To-Further-Societal-Goals-FINAL.pdf
Thompson, A. (2022). Government investment in the opportunities of alternative proteins. What are other
countries doing and how does Aotearoa New Zealand compare?
https://www.emergingproteins.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/EPNZ-Sept-2022-Report-
WEB2.pdf
United Nations. (2021, May 5). 155 million faced acute food insecurity in 2020, conflict the key driver. UN
News. https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/05/1091302
United Nations Environment Programme. (2021, June 4). Rethinking Food systems. UN Environment
Programme News, Stories & Speech.
http://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/rethinking-food-systems
United Nations Environment Programme. (2023). What’s cooking? An assessment of potential impacts of
selected novel alternatives to conventional animal products.
https://www.unep.org/resources/whats-cooking

United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub. (n.d.). Introducing the UN Food systems Summit +2
Stocktaking Moment.” United Nations Food systems Coordination Hub.
https://www.unfoodsystemshub.org/fs-stocktaking-moment/overview-and-updates/en
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2023, May 10). Final day of AIM for Climate Summit announces
groundbreaking initiatives on the Road to COP28. U.S. Department of Agriculture Press Releases.
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/05/10/final-day-aim-climate-summit-announces-
groundbreaking-initiatives
Witte, B., Obloj, P., Koktenturk, S., Morach, B., Brigl, M., Rogg, J., Schulze, U., Walker, D., Von Koeller, E.,
Dehnert, N., & Grosse-Holz, F. (2021). Food for thought. The protein transformation. Boston Consulting
Group and Blue Horizons.
https://web-assets.bcg.com/a0/28/4295860343c6a2a5b9f4e3436114/bcg-food-for-thought-the-
protein-transformation-mar-2021.pdf
Australian federal, state and local government food systems and alt protein plans and reports. Thanks to Food
Frontier for sharing this information in 2023.
The Federal government have released several reports over the last 3 years that focus on food systems
transformation and include the role that alternative proteins can play. The CSIRO Reshaping Australian Food
systems Roadmap is perhaps the most important work and should inform a national Food Plan of Action. This
report identifies alternative proteins as an important part of the sustainable food systems solution and back
this through their Future Protein Missions program.
2021 CSIRO Report: A National Synthetic Biology Roadmap

2022 Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Inquiry Report: Definitions of
Meat and Other Animal Products
2022 CSIRO Report: Australia’s Protein Roadmap
2022 Austrade Investor Value Proposition: Alternative Proteins - Plant protein subsector
2023CSIRO Report: Reshaping Australian Food systems Roadmap
State Governments
sustainable food systems and alternative proteins reports and plans.
Victoria and Queensland appear to be ahead of the pack with WA somewhere near the middle in terms of
specific plans that mention food systems transformation and alternative proteins.
sustainable food systems and alternative proteins reports. Victoria and Queensland appear to be ahead of the
pack with WA somewhere near the bottom in terms of specific plans that mention food systems
transformation and alternative proteins.
WA – no overarching strategic food systems transformation plan.

2022 DPIRD Business opportunity outline: Plant protein processing outlines opportunities for businesses to
invest in plant protein processing in WA.
2019 former Department of Agriculture and Food (now DPIRD) Research Paper: Alternative Plant-Based
Proteins A research paper into WA’s ability to participate in the alternative plant-based proteins market.

Victoria
2020 Agriculture Victoria Strategy: Strong, Innovative, Sustainable: A new strategy for agriculture in Victoria
Identifies alt proteins as a key emerging industry for Victoria’s agriculture sector to capitalise on.
2022 Agriculture Victoria Adaptation Plan: Primary Production Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan 2022 –
2026 Identifies alt proteins as an opportunity from climate change and adaptation.
2022 Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions Statement: Made in Victoria 2030 – Manufacturing
Statement Identifies that the Victorian government will invest in alt proteins and value adding opportunities.
NSW
2022 Investment NSW Investor Prospectus: Agrifood Investment Opportunities In New South Wales Alt
proteins seen as an investment opportunity.
2022 Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment and Planning Inquiry Report: Food production and
supply in NSW Need to strengthen the alt protein manufacturing industry.
2023 Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer Study: NSW Decarbonisation Innovation 2023 Study –
Refreshed opportunities with a systematic approach for the NSW clean economy . Identified that alternative
proteins represent a major economic opportunity and a potential lower-carbon food source for the world
Queensland
2018 Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and Coriolis Report: Mungbean – the $70M diversification
opportunity in North West Queensland Outlines the value-add opportunities for mung beans, including use in
plant based protein products.
2020 Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation (DSDTI) Report: Investing in the Mackay
Future Foods BioHub Mackay seen as the ideal location for a Future Foods BioHub which will focus on the
production of alternative foods, protein products and plant extractives.
2022 Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Roadmap: Queensland Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap
Consumer trends for plant proteins and flexitarian diets are providing new market opportunities for
Queensland food and fibre chains.
South Australia
2023 Department of Trade and Investment (Invest SA) Investor Report: Plant Protein in South Australia Details
the investor opportunity for plant protein in the state.
2023 Department for Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS) Strategy: South Australia’s Advanced
Manufacturing Strategy Drive coordinated research and innovation across South Australia’s innovation
ecosystem, including innovation districts and future manufacturing precincts. This included plant proteins and
value adding opportunities for grains and pulses.
Northern Territory
2020 Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Strategy: Agribusiness 2030 Identifies plant-based sources of
oils and protein as a growth opportunity.
WA Local Government
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Local Food Action Plan 2021 – 2024 E22_1814__SJ_Local_Food_Action_Plan_-
_2021___2024_-_22124_-_16pp_-_FINAL.pdf (sjshire.wa.gov.au)

Transforming The Food System

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Transforming The Food System

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What can governments do

TRANSFORMING THE to support sustainable

FOOD SYSTEM – alternative,

OPPORTUNITIES FOR This paper provides a

WESTERN AUSTRALIA for transforming food

1. FORWARD FROM LISA BAKER 2

2. FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION & ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS 4

3. GOVERNMENTS’ ROLE IN SUPPORTING FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION AND THE ALTERNATIVE

4. WHOLE OF GOVERNMENT APPROACH & PARTNERSHIPS 13

5. STRATEGIES: PLANS: POLICIES 17

7. LEGISLATION: STANDARDS: REGULATIONS 24

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 1

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 2

2. Strategies: Plans: Policies

4. Legislation: Standards: Regulations

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 3

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 4

Alternative proteins also open an opportunity for individuals to contribute to

The significant action being undertaken … agriculture and food industries to

2.2.1 What are alternative proteins?

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 5

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 6

Despite large volumes of domestic production of many of the grains and

Alternative Protein Industry

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 7

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 8

3.1 Introduction PROTEINS & UNITED

Whole of Government Approach and Partnerships – there is a need to develop

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 9

… there is a significant opportunity in the construction of co-access and

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 10

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 11

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 12

By fostering collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, and

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 13

Overview of global governments good practice:

COP28 in Dubai righted this wrong, with a series of breakthroughs at

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 14

4.3 Australian Governments Good Practice

• Economy: food security & industry development

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 15

Whole of Government Approach and Partnerships

Work with Federal government on sustainable food systems transformation.

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 16

Shaping Australian Food

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 17

5.3 Australian Governments Good Practice

Strategies: Plans: Policies

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 18

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 19

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 20

• Temasek - Temasek, established by the Singapore government, functions independently as a state-

6.3 Australian Governments Good Practice

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 21

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 22

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 23

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 24

National nutritional guidelines

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 25

7.3 Australian Governments Good Practice

Transforming the Food System – Opportunities for Western Australia 26

There has already been an Expert Committee established which identified

… NHMRC is seeking experts to form the Australian Dietary Guidelines