Enabling cellular agriculture in Australia

Current food production methods, particularly protein production, are also a leading cause of environmental degradation. 83% of the world’s agricultural land is currently used for meat, aquaculture, egg, and dairy production (source), and the conversation of agricultural land is linked to 70% of projected biodiversity loss in coming decades (source).

Early indications suggest that cellular agriculture could reduce environmental impact in several key areas—such as water and land use, deforestation, and biodiversity loss—when compared to conventionally produced protein and ingredients.

Food systems are responsible for up to 30% of the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change. Animal agriculture alone comprises 14.5-20% of global emissions. (Source)

Compared to conventionally produced protein and ingredients, early indications suggest cellular agriculture will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Three-quarters of new or emerging infectious diseases come from animals and half of these are linked to livestock (source), with high instances of disease transmission occurring through meat, eggs, and dairy (source). 

At scale, cellular agriculture technologies takes place in food manufacturing facilities using tightly controlled production systems. This reduces the risk of spreading zoonotic diseases, which are a growing public health threat linked to conventional animal agriculture.

Additionally, antibiotic resistance is an emerging public health threat commonly linked to intensive animal agriculture (source). Cellular agriculture has the potential to mitigate this issue as a suite of production methods that don’t require the use of antibiotics.

Cellular agriculture could allow consumers to purchase animal-free foods without sacrificing quality, taste, or nutritional value. 

As cellular agriculture technologies scale up, they have the potential to significantly reduce the need for farmed animals in the food supply chain and mitigate associated animal welfare concerns.