Big Idea:

Ivy Farm Technologies, is a UK-based, Oxford University-funded company, has figured out how to cultivate minced meat in just two weeks, a groundbreaking advancement with significant environmental implications.

Why It Matters:

The demand for meat is expected to grow by 73% in the next 30 years. This isn’t sustainable and would lead to mass deforestation and a huge increase in greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture. The cultivated meat industry addresses the impending global food shortage, climate change and has the potential to boost the economy. 

Between the Lines:

Regulatory hurdles in the UK are hindering the growth of the cultivated meat industry, potentially placing it at a disadvantage compared to countries with more favorable regulatory environments like the US and Singapore. 

Details:

• Cultured meat is grown in a lab using bioreactor technology.
• Cultivated meat contains fewer saturated fats, a complete amino acid profile, high iron content, and Omega-3.
• Grown in a sterile lab environment, eliminating the use of antibiotics and the risk of diseases like salmonella or E. coli, and other contaminants.

“Cultivated meat is real meat, only it’s made differently. The process involves one of the most natural processes on the planet - cell replication. In fact, the process is similar to the way in which popular cultured or fermented drinks and foods, such as beer or kefir, are made.” - Ivy Farm CEO Richard Dillon

The Impact:

Peer-reviewed studies indicate that cultivated meat has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 92% and decrease air pollution by up to 94%. Furthermore, this innovative meat production method could require 66% less water and use 90% less land compared to traditional beef production. 

The Numbers:

• Ivy Farm takes 2 weeks to produce 1 kg of meat compared to 18 months to raise beef cattle for slaughter.
• Cells from one cow can enable the production of 20 million kg of minced meat.
• By 2025, Ivy Farm aims to produce 12,000 tonnes of meat a year, which is approximately equivalent to 173,000 animals.

What's Next:

Ivy Farm aims to gain regulatory approval in major global markets, with plans to serve consumers in premium restaurants and supermarkets. Their economic contributions and sustainability focus could reshape the future of meat production.

Yes, but:

There still seems to be a reluctance to embrace lab grown meat. Call it “non-Lindy”. We are keeping our eyes on this sector to see how it develops.