The term “alternative proteins” is a buzzword across the globe — think about all the new products coming out boasting about being a meatless alternative that tastes just like a burger from McDonalds. Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods… There’s even egg alternatives called “Just Egg”!
As an interest in sustainability continues to grow, so does the interest in consumers to play their part in the world. To some, that means making the switch to plant-based proteins. Because of that, research in different crops is skyrocketing to find appropriate plant-based protein alternatives.
On March 2, Seed Speaks is tackling just that: what crops are appropriate for alternative proteins and why? We see the ability for soybeans in a protein space, but what about crops such as hemp, beans and even yellow peas? We’ll be talking with Gil Shalev, CEO and founder of Equinom, Tom Michaels, professor of horticultural science at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities and Bill Greuel, CEO of Proteins Industry Canada.
Shalev is the visionary, entrepreneur and driving force behind Equinom. Prior to founding the company, he was an executive at a Vilmorin & Cie subsidiary and co-founded a flower-breeding start-up. Shalev earned a PhD in plant genetics from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His research achievements include developing integrated sequencing technology for breeding and discovering new plant genes and gene combinations. He sees better, naturally bred plant-based ingredients – which Equinom technology enables – as an important, sustainable and pragmatic solution to our global health and climate crises.