Animal agriculture is a leading driver of biodiversity loss on land, largely through habitat conversion for livestock and feed crops. Analyses suggest that transitioning toward alternative proteins could reduce the land required for food production by up to 75%, potentially freeing land for ecosystem restoration and rewilding.
Putting alternative proteins on the farming agenda
In January, GFI’s Nutrition Lead Amy Williams spoke at the Oxford Real Farming Conference alongside Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall about the role plant-based meat could play in a healthier and more sustainable food system. The panel helped bring alternative proteins into conversations with farming and environmental stakeholders, including addressing common misconceptions and exploring areas of alignment.
Being part of these wider food system conversations is essential to building the credibility and partnerships we need to succeed in creating a sustainable, secure, and just food system. You can watch Amy in action here or read an overview on our blog.
New economic analysis opens doors with senior policymakers
Since Systemiq launched its GFI-funded economic analysis of alternative proteins in Europe last month, GFI Europe has secured 11 one-to-one meetings with senior UK and EU policymakers to discuss the potential of alternative proteins and how they can be positioned as a policy priority.
Having credible, EU-wide data on the issues policymakers care about most, including jobs, economic growth and competitiveness, was vital to securing these meetings. By equipping policymakers with the evidence they need to make decisions, GFI is helping ensure alternative proteins are part of key policy discussions that will shape long-term systems change.
Mycelium Olympics Thanks to GFI’s Research Grants Program, scientists have tested which species of mushrooms are best suited for growing food, by testing growth speed, protein quality, yield and flavour. You can see the results of what we’re calling the ‘Mycelium Olympics’ in our recent LinkedIn post, it’s a fun one!
This early-stage research is essential for understanding which species are most likely to actually mimic the taste and texture of conventional meat, and by funding this work, GFI is helping build that knowledge base for the whole field.
Updates from the Good Food Institute:
Giving Green Biodiversity recommendation
Giving Green, recently released its first nonprofit recommendations focused on biodiversity protection. GFI was selected as one of two Top Nonprofit Organisations where additional funding could have an outsized impact on biodiversity loss.
Animal agriculture is a leading driver of biodiversity loss on land, largely through habitat conversion for livestock and feed crops. Analyses suggest that transitioning toward alternative proteins could reduce the land required for food production by up to 75%, potentially freeing land for ecosystem restoration and rewilding.
Putting alternative proteins on the farming agenda
In January, GFI’s Nutrition Lead Amy Williams spoke at the Oxford Real Farming Conference alongside Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall about the role plant-based meat could play in a healthier and more sustainable food system. The panel helped bring alternative proteins into conversations with farming and environmental stakeholders, including addressing common misconceptions and exploring areas of alignment.
Being part of these wider food system conversations is essential to building the credibility and partnerships we need to succeed in creating a sustainable, secure, and just food system. You can watch Amy in action here or read an overview on our blog.
New economic analysis opens doors with senior policymakers
Since Systemiq launched its GFI-funded economic analysis of alternative proteins in Europe last month, GFI Europe has secured 11 one-to-one meetings with senior UK and EU policymakers to discuss the potential of alternative proteins and how they can be positioned as a policy priority.
Having credible, EU-wide data on the issues policymakers care about most, including jobs, economic growth and competitiveness, was vital to securing these meetings. By equipping policymakers with the evidence they need to make decisions, GFI is helping ensure alternative proteins are part of key policy discussions that will shape long-term systems change.
Mycelium Olympics
Thanks to GFI’s Research Grants Program, scientists have tested which species of mushrooms are best suited for growing food, by testing growth speed, protein quality, yield and flavour. You can see the results of what we’re calling the ‘Mycelium Olympics’ in our recent LinkedIn post, it’s a fun one! This early-stage research is essential for understanding which species are most likely to actually mimic the taste and texture of conventional meat, and by funding this work, GFI is helping build that knowledge base for the whole field.
We’re hiring:
People & Culture Lead – Singapore (GFI APAC) – Apply by 5 April 2026
SciTech Manager – Singapore (GFI APAC) – Apply by 15 March 2026
Deputy General Counsel – Remote (US) – Apply by 19 March 2026
Research Funding Landscape Fellow – Remote (US) – Apply by 26 March 2026
Senior Scientist, Plant-based – Remote (US) – Apply by 26 March 2026