As the LIKE-A-PRO project is complementary to other ongoing European projects the partners will network and seek to create synergies with other EU-projects to maximize the impact.
Below we have listed the projects and initiatives we are collaborating with.
While facing climate change and natural resource scarcity, ensuring sufficient, nutritious, safe and affordable food to a fast growing world population with changing dietary habits becomes increasingly challenging. The protein supply is in this respect most critical.
Integration of a variety of new or alternative protein sources from both terrestrial and aquatic origin into new and/or existing processes or products needs to be explored, in order to develop and ensure more sustainable, resilient supply chains, featuring high consumer acceptability by a clean labelling approach and attractive market opportunities.
With this goal in common, Horizon4Proteins was established in 2021 as a collaboration between four EU-funded projects working on alternative proteins: NextGenProteins, ProFuture, Smart Protein and SUSINCHAIN. The projects worked together on a number of key dissemination and policy activities, covering topics like consumer acceptance of alternative proteins, safety and regulatory challenges, food applications and sustainability.
As a rolling collaboration, new EU-funded projects on alternative proteins have joined the collaboration as the original four projects have reached their end dates. As of July 2024, the Horizon4Protein collaboration consists of LIKE-A-PRO, GIANT LEAPS, VALPRO Path, INNOAQUA and FEASTS.
LIKE-A-PRO is part of the Food 2030 Online Platform, which is a common platform for all projects, partnerships, networks, living labs, communities of practice and other initiatives working on transforming the food system for the benefit of the people and the planet.
The platform serves two networks: the FOOD 2030 Project Collaboration Network and the FOOD 2030 Connected Lab Network. The aim of these networks is to bring together EU-funded projects working on food system innovation and to stimulate collaboration between them.
LIKE-A-PRO is part of Protein Pioneers - a cluster of EU-funded projects with the common objective of transforming the protein production with sustainable innovation.
This collaboration focuses on advancing sustainable protein production through the development of innovative food and feed products utilizing Single Cell Proteins (SCPs) and insects, as well as creating non-food biobased products from residual biomass. These initiatives aim to enhance waste recycling and minimize environmental impact. Besides LIKE-A-PRO, the cluster currently includes the projects INNOPROTEIN, CHEERS, CIRCALGAE, and BIOSCHAMP.
Background
Europe faces a significant “protein gap,” currently importing 70% of its protein-rich crops and 85% of its soybeans for both animal and human consumption. With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the demand for sustainable protein sources is more critical than ever. To ensure food security and reduce environmental impact, innovative zero-waste approaches are essential. And it is precisely this challenge that the projects behind Protein Pioneers are working together to address.
For those looking to stay informed or participate, follow the conversation and the latest developments through the hashtag #ProteinPioneers.