Protein is an essential part of the human diet but protein production has a significant impact on the environment. Improving the sustainability of existing proteins and scaling up new options is key to our climate future and to meeting the dietary needs of a growing population within planetary boundaries.
The world will need 60% more protein by 2050. Yet without innovation, protein alone could account for 20% of all global greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. Protein is also a major user of limited land and water resources.
Making proteins more sustainable and scaling up new options that have a lower carbon, water and land footprint is critical for our collective future.
Minnesota has long been a global leader in producing proteins like dairy, poultry, swine and the grains used to feed them. We also have a growing sector of businesses, researchers and other innovators that are cutting new trail with plant and alternative proteins. Now MBOLD is working with an array of partners to make Minnesota a leading hub of innovation to make proteins more environmentally sustainable. As we embark on this new initiative, we will:
After an energizing collaboration on the 2024 Summit, MBOLD will co-host the Bridge2Food North America Summit again in 2025. The Summit is a deep dive into trends in plant and alternative protein markets, consumer perceptions, and innovation in product development, health and nutrition. As conference co-hosts, we look forward to welcoming plant and alternative protein leaders and innovators from around the world. Please mark your calendars for October 21 – 23, 2025 in Minneapolis.
Learn more about Bridge2Food North America.