From Farm to Fork

Highlighting the Next Generation of Plant Proteins at the Smart Protein Closing Conference 2024

#SmartProteinEU

Conference will take place on 24 May 2024 in the heart of Berlin

Register now: Smart Protein Closing Conference

Spanning more than four years and 20 countries, the first-of-its-kind Smart Protein Project, an innovative, farm-to-fork agricultural research initiative funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research programme, is officially coming to a close.

Celebrate and explore the findings of this initiative, connect with industry leaders from over 60 companies across the value chain, and relish in all-inclusive plant-based offerings on Friday, 24 May 2024 at KulturBrauerei in the heart of Berlin.

“The Smart Protein Project has taken into account the epidemics, health crises, and the pressures of creating and maintaining environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural ecosystems for the benefits of farmers, consumers, animals, and the land,” Project Lead, Emanuele Zannini, said.

“Out of this, Smart Protein Project academics and industry stakeholders across the value chain have diligently researched and devised creative strategies to understand and optimise crop yield and resource usage, nutrition and health, food processing, environmental impacts from cradle to grave, and consumer receptivity,” he said.

For one day only, the Smart Protein Project will gather industry experts for public discussions and deep dives into the following pressing topics from farm to fork. The talks will include the following:

European Tour: An In-Depth Look at Attitudes towards Plant-based Eating in 2024

Hear the latest market research on sentiments toward plant-based foods and consumers’ behavioural drivers and barriers, shaping product development and adoption. Led by Elsa Guadarrama, Consumer & Market Research Manager at ProVeg International. 

Advancing Regenerative Organic Farming of Protein Crops in Europe

Explore and discuss the Smart Protein innovations and findings in protein crops production under regenerative organic agriculture. This session also aims to shed light on current strategies, successes, challenges, and future pathways for achieving more sustainable farming practices in the EU.

Ingredients and Plant Protein (Bio)Processing and Innovative Applications 

Compare promising raw materials, their applications, and the potential for upcycling. 

Food Nutrition and Health

Beyond basic analyses of health benefits of plant-based diets, explore developments in dietary guidelines, legumes and gut health, sensory properties, food prototypes, and the planetary health diet. 

Follow a Fava Bean Journey – From Farm to Fork 

Trace the origins of raw materials, the pathway of novel foods, market needs, and farmer recommendations. 

EU Policy Strategies for Building Sustainable Food Systems 

Examine the agricultural policy landscape of the EU and discuss ways in which today’s food systems can be shaped for a more sustainable future. 

 

Click here to register for the conference.

 

ENDS

Notes for Editors

For further information, email:

Paloma Nosten, paloma.nosten@proveg.org

About the Smart Protein Project

Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 862957, the Smart Protein Project is a four-year project spanning more than 20 countries and 33 partners, aimed at developing alternative protein ingredients and products for humans which have a positive impact on bio-economy, environment, biodiversity, nutrition, food security and consumer trust and acceptance.

Nutritive, sustainable, innovative and trustworthy EU-produced protein alternatives are needed more than ever due to the increased demand for protein sources and the need for more resource-efficient production.

About ProVeg International

ProVeg is an international food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing conventional animal-based products with plant-based and cultured alternatives.

ProVeg works with international decision-making bodies, governments, food producers, investors, the media, and the general public to help the world transition to a society and economy that are less dependent on animal agriculture and more sustainable for humans, animals, and the planet.

ProVeg has permanent-observer status with the UNFCCC, is accredited for UNEA, and has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award. ProVeg has Observer Status at the IPCC.