Future-proof Alternative Terrestrial Protein Sources for Human Nutrition Encouraging Environment Regeneration, Processing Feasibility and Consumer Trust and Acceptability

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 862957

SMART PROTEIN aims to industrially validate innovative, cost-effective and resourceefficient, EU-produced, healthy plant proteins and microbial biomass proteins for the production of ingredients and products for direct human consumption, through developing future-proofed protein supply chains with a positive impact on bio-economy, environment, biodiversity, human nutrition, food and nutrition security and consumer acceptance.

The new protein supply chain needs to be S.M.A.R.T.:

• Supporting and inclusive by providing jobs with less dependency from importing countries, engaging everyone involved
  in the food system and providing nutritious foods for all

• Multiple target purposes addressing customers request for clean label, taste and texture by providing satisfying food
  products;

• Affordable alternatives to traditional proteins source (animal and soy-based protein);

• Regenerative, responsible, resilient and circular: with respect to the natural resource scarcity and planetary boundaries; being ethical, transparent and accountable as well as adapting to climate change;

• Tailored to the changing world by being open to a wide range of technologies, approaches, cultures and business models.

The SMART PROTEIN strategy has four major priorities: nutrition, sustainability, innovation and consumer trust and acceptance. These priorities will be addressed through global partnerships forged with consortium members from Europe, North America, Israel, Thailand and New Zealand to develop and demonstrate a climate-smart, sustainable protein-food system for a healthy Europe.