A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate aims to make a strategic federal investment in protein innovation through boosted support for research, workforce development and domestic manufacturing capacity.
According to a press release from Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California), who co-sponsored the Producing Real Opportunities for Technology and Entrepreneurs Investing in Nutrition Act (PROTEIN Act), the legislation would expand domestic manufacturing, create jobs, open new markets for farmers, increase food and protein security, and ensure U.S. does not fall behind in emerging industry.
“Right now in America, it seems all anyone can talk about is protein, but the exploding demand for it is not something our current food system will be able to meet,” Schiff said in the press release. “Investing in protein innovation, which is already supporting thousands of jobs in California and across the U.S., will help us meet those needs while investing in a climate-friendly food system and positioning the U.S. as a global leader in a growing market that will create new revenue opportunities for American producers.”
Specifically, the PROTEIN Act would:
- Establish at least 3 research centers of excellence for alternative protein innovation
- Create a new USDA research program on protein security focused on biomanufacturing, bioprocessing, and converting underutilized biomass into high-value ingredients
- Launch a food biomanufacturing grant program to build and scale domestic production capacity
- Establish a bioworkforce development grant program to train workers, fund scholarships, and support regional economic development in this emerging sector
- Require a national strategy on protein security — a whole-of-government plan coordinating various federal agencies
This legislation is endorsed by Food Solutions Action and the Good Food Institute.
The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California). Rep. Julia Brownley (D-California) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
