Food & Agriculture

Modern food production and farming have a monumental part to play in the climate, nature and health crises that are being felt across the globe. But by shifting to sustainable systems that operate in harmony with nature, agriculture has the power to undo its damage and produce food that nourishes both people and planet.

How they do it

The Sustainable Food Trust has been advocating for a sustainable food system transition since its establishment in 2011 and has helped to bring concepts such as soil health and regenerative farming, which were once considered fairly ‘out there’, to the attention of food businesses, governments and the public. The Sustainable Food Trust is committed to identifying the practices and policies that should be part of our future food and farming systems, developing a robust case for change, and breaking down barriers to the transition. Through impactful campaigns, education projects, and research, in areas such as local abattoirs, sustainable diets, measuring and valuing farm sustainability, and true cost accounting, the Sustainable Food Trust is helping to make significant strides towards a fairer, more sustainable food system.

Recent achievements

• Defra’s decision to launch 2 new funds in support of smaller abattoirs is brilliant news for the UK’s farms and local food systems, and reflects the hard work put in by the Sustainable Food Trust and the Abattoir Sector Group over the 5 years since the release of the SFT’s 2019 report A Good Life and a Good Death.
• In 2024 the SFT’s Global Farm Metric (a holistic system for measuring on- farm sustainability) is being trialled on 300 farms in 11 countries across 5 continents, helping to make the framework as effective as possible, increase its adoption and enable farmers to assess the sustainability of their systems.
• 20 exemplary farms are now part of the SFT’s new Beacon Farms Network, which will bring together some of the country’s most inspiring sustainable farms to provide ‘seeing is believing’ experiences to young people, farmers and leaders. The network aims to showcase best practice, shift mindsets and empower citizens to play their part in enabling the transition, through votes and buying power.
• In 2023 and 2024, the SFT has been helping to deliver the 1st on-farm Green Social Prescribing pilot project of its kind in the UK, connecting patients with sustainably-run farms in the South West and enabling them to get involved in activities such as hedge laying, foraging and tasting of produce.
• The SFT is an active member of King Charles III’s Sustainable Markets Initiative and is working alongside 12 CEOs from some of the world’s most powerful agribusinesses to uncover the most effective ways of financing a transition to sustainable food and farming systems.

Why we think they’re great

We’re really behind SFT’s belief that policymakers and businesses will be empowered to act when there is sufficient pressure from informed public opinion. That’s why they take a multi-pronged approach, not only targeting senior policymakers, but also working with consumer groups and influential individuals to bring about change.

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is spearheading efforts to transform the global food system through alternative proteins. Their mission is crucial in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges: climate change, food security, and public health. By accelerating the development of plant-based and cultivated meat, GFI aims to reduce the environmental impact of food production, decrease the risk of zoonotic diseases, and ultimately feed more people with fewer resources. As global meat consumption continues to rise, GFI's work is vital in creating sustainable alternatives that can satisfy growing demand without compromising taste, nutrition, or affordability.

How they do it

GFI operates through a multifaceted approach that combines scientific research, policy advocacy, and industry engagement. They fund open-access research to advance the science of alternative proteins, working with universities and research institutions worldwide. On the policy front, GFI advocates for increased public funding for alternative protein research and fair regulations that allow these innovations to thrive. They engage with food companies, from startups to multinational corporations, providing market insights and technical support to accelerate the development and commercialisation of alternative protein products. GFI also builds global scientific communities and talent pipelines through initiatives like the Alt Protein Project, fostering the next generation of alternative protein innovators.

Recent achievements

• Played a key role in the approval and market launch of cultivated meat products in the United States, a historic milestone for the industry.
• Expanded the Alt Protein Project to 53 university chapters worldwide, significantly growing the talent pipeline for the alternative protein sector.
• Published 42 open-access reports and resources, providing critical insights and data to advance the alternative protein ecosystem.
• Secured increased government funding for alternative protein research in multiple countries, including the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.

In numbers

• $523 million in newly announced global public funding for alternative proteins in 2023
• 53 university chapters of the Alt Protein Project worldwide
• 42 open-access reports and resources published in the last year

Affected lives

GFI's work has far-reaching impacts across the globe. In Singapore, their efforts contributed to the world's first regulatory approval of cultivated meat, paving the way for a new era of sustainable protein production. This breakthrough not only affects local consumers but also sets a precedent for other countries. In the United States, GFI's advocacy and scientific support have helped bring cultivated meat products to market, offering American consumers unprecedented choices in sustainable protein. Their global influence extends to many countries, fostering a thriving ecosystem of startups and research institutions that are creating new economic opportunities and advancing food security solutions.

Team

GFI's team is a diverse group of experts from various fields, including food science, policy, law, and business. Led by President and Founder Bruce Friedrich, a long-time advocate for sustainable food systems, the team brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and policy experts from around the world. This interdisciplinary approach allows GFI to address the complex challenges of food system transformation from multiple angles. The organisation's global presence, with affiliates in key regions like Asia Pacific, Brazil, Europe, India, and Israel, ensures a nuanced understanding of local contexts and opportunities. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, GFI's team is well-positioned to drive innovation and create lasting change in the global food system.