New research comparing global government support for alternative proteins finds Australia in last place among 10 countries.
Food Frontier’s Government support for alternative proteins scorecard reveals that countries such as Singapore, Israel, US and Canada are picking up the pace when it comes to supporting the transition towards more alternative proteins, driven by health, environmental and economic benefits.
Australia falls dramatically short across 10 key parameters considered crucial for the growth of the industry, scoring just 1.5 compared to Canada and Singapore’s score of 7.5.
Dr Simon Eassom, CEO of Food Frontier, said, “This comparison clearly indicates where Australia is lagging and should serve as a wake-up call to the opportunities available.
“Certain countries have already established themselves as global leaders in the plant-based and cultivated meat industries and capitalising on the benefits of this. With the right government support, Australia can thrive in this sector too and cement its own place as a leader in food and agricultural production.”
Despite some positive scores, including a regulatory framework suitable for novel proteins and strong research and development, Australia has not yet progressed in several key areas.
These include dietary guidelines that prioritise plant proteins (although the guidelines are currently being updated, with the potential for sustainability messaging to be included), plant protein farmer incentives, sufficient support for infrastructure, and adequate funding.
This places Australia at a significant disadvantage.
According to the Good Food Institute’s 2023 State of Global Policy, while the US, Canada, Denmark and Singapore have each surpassed the USD$100m mark for total public funding (up to 2023), Australia has invested only USD$53.7m in alternative proteins.
Australia is also the only country included in the scorecard to not have a national strategy that includes alternative proteins. However, we are aware government bodies like the Climate Change Authority are investigating alternative proteins in their recommendations to government.
Globally, governments are setting clear targets and roadmaps for success by implementing these strategies, such as Singapore’s ‘30 by 30’ food security initiative and Denmark’s plant-based action plan.
Dr Eassom said, "It's great to note that six out of 11 countries have implemented a climate strategy that mentions alternative proteins. This is a significant step forward, as we know food systems contribute between one-quarter and one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions and must evolve to be more sustainable if we hope to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis."
A national food plan that supports existing agrifood industries to become more sustainable and prioritises the growth of innovative food industries including alternative proteins is one of Food Frontier’s recommendations to government outlined in the recent Alternative proteins and food systems transformation report.
Australia should take advantage of its proximity to Asia, as it is well positioned to tap into the region’s growing appetite for plant-based and cultivated proteins.
Not only will embracing alternative proteins provide value add to the economy, it also presents a chance for Australian farmers and grain growers to diversify their revenue streams and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Australia has the potential to remain competitive in the global food industry, but to do so we need far more decisive action across all 10 critical areas.
Download the Government support for alternative proteins scorecard here.
About us:
Food Frontier is the independent think tank on alternative proteins in Australia and New Zealand. Funded by grants and donations, our work is growing our region’s protein supply with new, sustainable and nutritious options that create value for businesses, farmers and consumers.
Contact details:
Kathy Cogo, Head of Communications and Marketing, Food Frontier kathy@foodfrontier.org,
0466 015 183.
