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Chickpeas, crickets and chlorella: our future proteins

Global transitions to a more biobased economy are underway. As part of these transitions, WUR calls for a shared strategy on production and consumption of protein. By 2050, humans will consume more animal protein than ever, driven by an increasing population and improved standards of living. This consumption level will deplete our natural resources. Hence, a transition towards eating protein from more diverse, resource-efficient sources is needed.

Global transitions to a more biobased economy are underway. As part of these transitions, WUR calls for a shared strategy on production and consumption of protein. By 2050, humans will consume more animal protein than ever, driven by an increasing population and improved standards of living. This consumption level will deplete our natural resources. Hence, a transition towards eating protein from more diverse, resource-efficient sources is needed. We envision a future in which protein production will be part of a sustainable, affordable, trustworthy and high-quality food system. Purposeful combinations of plants, animals, and microorganisms will be tailored to local conditions. To achieve this even in areas of scarce resources, breakthrough innovation, societal shifts and supportive regulatory changes are required. An integrated European platform supporting changes from farm to table will ensure that EU member states continue to lead the ongoing protein transition.

Source: Pyett, S., de Vet, E., Trindade, L. M., van Zanten H., & Fresco, L. O. 2019. Chickpeas, crickets and chlorella: our future proteins. Wageningen University & Research: Wageningen Food & Biobased Research

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