The United States Department of Defense (DoD) recently made headlines with its $1.4 million investment in The Better Meat Co., a Sacramento-based food tech company specializing in fungus-based meat alternatives. This funding, part of the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP), underlines growing recognition of the strategic importance of innovative food production methods. The grant aims to support the company’s production of Rhiza, its proprietary mycoprotein ingredient, which has the potential to revolutionize the food industry and even strengthen national security.
What is mycoprotein, and how is it produced?
Mycoprotein is a meat-free, vegan protein source typically made from a naturally occurring fungus called Fusarium venenatum. Unlike traditional plant-based proteins, mycoprotein is created through a fermentation process, similar to how yogurt or beer is produced. In this process, the fungus is fermented in a controlled environment and fed a nutrient-rich solution of glucose, vitamins, and minerals. The result is a large biomass of mycelium, the root system of the fungus, which is then harvested, heat-treated, and shaped into various forms to mimic the texture of meat.
Rhiza, the mycoprotein developed by The Better Meat Co., is notable for its nutritional profile. It contains more protein than eggs, more iron and zinc than beef, more fiber than oats, and more potassium than bananas. Additionally, it is allergen-free, neutral in taste, and naturally possesses the texture of animal meat, making it an ideal ingredient for meat alternatives.
Why did the U.S. Department of Defense invest in The Better Meat Co.?
The DoD’s investment in The Better Meat Co. is part of a larger effort to boost the United States’ bioeconomic capabilities. The DBIMP, which awarded grants to seven bioindustrial firms, focuses on enhancing the DoD’s advanced defense capabilities across five key areas: food, fuel, fitness, fabrication, and firepower. By supporting companies like The Better Meat Co., the DoD is working towards reducing future supply chain risks and ensure the resilience of the nation’s food production systems.
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Heidi Shyu, emphasized the importance of these investments in a statement: “President Biden called on the Department of Defense to assess how the agency can use biotechnology to make our supply chains more resilient, create jobs at home, and strengthen America’s economy. These major investments will help answer his charge to harness the full potential and power of biotechnology to advance national and economic security.”
How does mycoprotein compare to traditional meat in terms of production and sustainability?
Mycoprotein offers several advantages over traditional meat in terms of production and sustainability. First, the fermentation process used to produce mycoprotein is significantly more efficient than animal farming. The Better Meat Co. reports that Rhiza can be produced from “seed to harvest” in just a few hours, making it as cost-effective as raising beef cattle. This rapid production cycle requires fewer resources, such as land, water, and energy, compared to traditional meat production, which has a substantial environmental footprint.
Mycoprotein production also generates less waste and produces little to none of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock farming. This makes it a more sustainable option, aligning with the growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly food products.
Broader implications of the grant for the food industry and national security
The DoD’s backing of The Better Meat Co. represents a significant milestone for the food industry and national security. By investing in the development of sustainable protein alternatives like mycoprotein, the U.S. is taking a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change, resource scarcity, and global supply chain disruptions. As mycoprotein becomes more widely adopted, it has the potential to reduce the nation’s dependence on traditional meat production, which is vulnerable to environmental and economic pressures. This, in turn, enhances food security and contributes to the resilience of the national food supply.
Future plans for The Better Meat Co. following this investment
With the support of the DoD, The Better Meat Co. plans to scale up the production of Rhiza at its Sacramento pilot plant, which has already completed over 100 successful harvests. The company aims to continue reducing the cost of Rhiza, making it more accessible to food manufacturers seeking sustainable protein alternatives. Additionally, the company is likely to explore further applications of its mycoprotein in various food products, potentially expanding its market reach.
In the long term, The Better Meat Co.’s success could pave the way for more widespread adoption of mycoprotein as a viable alternative to meat, contributing to a more sustainable and secure food system as well as shaping the future of food production in the United States and beyond.