The EU-funded Smart Protein Project has already established that 51% of Europeans are reducing their meat consumption. A separate survey carried out last month found that 27% of people who describe themselves as ‘omnivores’ eat meat less than three times per month.
ProVeg International is on a mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.
Jasmijn de Boo, global chief executive of ProVeg International, said: “This is a significant step forward by the UK Government which will allow the UK to compete in a rapidly growing market for alternative proteins. The global market for plant-based foods alone is estimated to treble in value by 2033 to $35Bn and the UK must position itself to make the most of that growth.
“The promotion of alternative proteins, such as plant-based food and cultivated meat, is vital to help tackle the climate crisis. Animal agriculture is responsible for up to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, as well as large scale deforestation and biodiversity loss. Only major food system change can turn the tide on this level of destruction, with the support of funding from Governments like the UK.”