Food & agri climate innovation: industry update

​Protein Transition
Recent developments continue to highlight the critical role of alternative proteins in addressing climate challenges. The Good Food Institute (GFI) reveals that global investment in alternative proteins passed $16 billion through Q3 2024, demonstrating continued investor confidence despite previous market challenges and noting role of securing policy support. GFI analysis also observes the rapid growth of European alternative protein research – with more than a quarter of all studies published last year amid record funding.  
Inputs Transition
The acceleration of sustainable agricultural input strategies continues to gain momentum: with regulatory developments as the EU is expanding its ESG compliance framework, introducing more granular requirements for supply chain transparency. New regulations now requiring detailed reporting on carbon footprint and biodiversity impact for agricultural inputs. The implementation is increasingly supported by technological innovations with advanced blockchain and AI-driven tracking systems are revolutionizing input traceability. Sustainable input initiatives are advancing with increased investment in regenerative agricultural inputs, with a particular focus on: microbial soil enhancers, precision fertilization technologies and climate-resilient seed technologies.
Reducing Waste
Progress in food waste reduction strategies continues with the EU confirming the previously proposed 40% household/retail food waste reduction target by 2030, with new supportive mechanisms including; financial incentives for businesses implementing waste reduction technologies, mandatory reporting for large food service providers, and advanced AI-driven waste prediction and management tools. Similar global efforts continue as reported recently at the Global Food Security Summit 2024.
Enabling Infrastructure
Building on prior efforts continues in the areas of climate-resilient agricultural infrastructure, smallholder farmer support programs, and technology transfer mechanisms for developing economies. The recent UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16) included a call from the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to direct greater focus and funding to small-scale farmers. Rural producers are on the frontlines of biodiversity loss and climate change and must be able to sustainably grow a variety of crops for local and global consumption and in particular for the over 3 billion people who cannot afford a healthy diet. Food systems and supporting infrastructure must become more sustainable and biodiversity-friendly.