The FAIRR initiative — a global network of investors addressing ESG issues in the food system — has partnered with Tufts University to publish a Protein and Nutrition Factsheet for investors.
According to the authors, ESG frameworks tend to focus on environmental issues such as carbon emissions without taking nutrition into account, resulting in a tradeoff between health and environmental priorities. However, there is considerable potential for investors to be aligned with both, especially with the rise of “sustainable nutrition” funds.
Setting the record straight & debunking misconceptions
The new factsheet outlines major protein sources in food, setting the record straight about their health effects with supporting scientific evidence. It also outlines notable trends, risks, and opportunities in the protein supply chain.
“Misinformation about the relationship between nutrition and sustainability has created confusion among investors”
The authors debunk several common nutritional misconceptions, such as the idea that plant-based proteins are of lower quality than animal proteins. They also describe the benefits of replacing some animal foods with whole plant foods, concluding that people not suffering from food insecurity should limit animal foods for health and environmental reasons.
Additionally, the factsheet discusses the link between animal-sourced foods and safety issues such as zoonotic disease and antimicrobial resistance.
“Misinformation about the relationship between nutrition, particularly proteins, and sustainability has created confusion among investors, making it difficult to identify scientifically supported best practices and opportunities,” said Sofia Condés, Director of Investor Outreach at FAIRR and the factsheet’s co-author.
“FAIRR’s new Protein and Nutrition factsheet aims to clarify these topics whilst exploring the interdependence of nutrition and sustainability. Understanding the disproportionate environmental impact of intensively produced animal-sourced foods and the trade-offs of a transition to plant-rich diets is crucial for both human and planetary health.”
Building a stronger academic ecosystem
In related news, Tufts University has revealed that its Center for Cellular Agriculture (TUCCA) is hiring five new dedicated faculty members. The cluster hire has been described as “unprecedented in the field of cellular agriculture”, and will allow TUCCA to expand its research capabilities and expertise. Academics with a broad range of backgrounds are invited to apply here.
Last year, Tufts University launched what was claimed to be the world’s first undergraduate degree in cellular agriculture. There has reportedly been enormous student interest in the field since then, with some prospective undergraduates applying to the university specifically because of its cellular agriculture offerings.
In January 2024, TUCCA announced it had found a way to make bovine muscle cells produce their own growth signals, eliminating the need for costly growth factors. This approach could potentially lead to easier regulatory approval for cultivated food products.
“It’s been a challenging year for the cellular agriculture and biotechnology industries as a whole, which amplifies our drive to build a stronger academic ecosystem to support the needs in the field moving forward,” said Dr. David Kaplan, director of TUCCA. “With these new faculty members, Tufts University and its Center for Cellular Agriculture look forward to continuing to innovate through research and technology to support the field towards positive and significant impact.”