USA – Global precision fermentation and food technology companies have come together to form the Precision Fermentation Alliance (PFA) which aims to promote the technology as a trusted solution for a more resilient and sustainable global food system.

The precision fermentation industry is rapidly growing fueled by the need for sustainable food to feed a rapidly expanding population living in a world grappling with climate change, degraded agricultural lands and water scarcity.

Pioneer members of the alliance include Perfect Day, Remilk, California-based animal-free cheese start-up Change Foods, and New Culture, a free-from-mozzarella producer.

Others include Motif FoodWorks from Boston, Finnish animal-free egg protein maker Onego Bio, US-based animal-free protein producer The Every Co., Helaina from New York and Imagindairy from Israel.

The PFA members have agreed to come together to actualize a common goal of promoting an understanding of precision fermentation worldwide.

They intend to serve as “an industry voice and global convener for the precision fermentation industry”.

The group hopes to establish global transparency around ingredients and foods made with precision fermentation to build trust and familiarity among their vast consumer base through educating and engaging key stakeholders throughout the food industry value chain.

They will bring together manufacturers, policymakers, academic researchers, entrepreneurs and regulators to help establish the best practices regarding regulatory, manufacturing, food safety, and communications standards and compliance.

Another key goal will be to develop market access and the ability to operate and market products effectively by engaging with regulators and unlocking public funding and public-private partnerships to accelerate industry growth, according to a statement.

“There is a direct line between food production, climate, socio-economic opportunities and equity,” Nicki Briggs, chair of the PFA and vice president of communications at Perfect Day said

“This ecosystem of mission-aligned leaders stands to exponentially accelerate what any one member could do alone.”

The alliance will also ensure that science-based decision-making and informed public policy are used in the regulation of precision fermentation products and technology that are used in food, according to a statement.

Products that have been manufactured using precision fermentation have existed for a long time but recent launches by major players such as Nestlé, General Mills and Mars have accelerated the adoption of the technology.

The companies say that their methods of creating ingredients can bring consumers the taste, nutrition and function similar to animal-based food but in a less cruel and more sustainable way.

The new technology can be confusing to consumers but the alliance can provide a stronger voice to explain what is involved and why it is an option for consumers and manufacturers alike, to consider.

The alliance can also dispute any misinformation around the sector and provide a forum to discuss global issues relevant to the industry.

“Ushering in this new era in food requires clear communication, thoughtful policy, consistent regulation and stakeholder engagement, which this alliance is positioned to do,” said Irina Gerry, chief marketing officer at Change Foods and the new group’s vice chair.

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