Career Guide: Alternative Proteins

written by Katharina Hofmann in October 2024
adapted from the Dutch version

Introduction

Why is factory farming a pressing problem?

Factory farming is a major cause of many of the world’s most pressing global challenges. One of the main reasons for this is its negative consequences for animal welfare. The scale of current suffering is unmatched by other cause areas. Every year, more than 80 billion land animals and more than a trillion fish are kept in inhumane conditions and slaughtered for human consumption.1 To put this in perspective, 80 billion is ten times the size of the current global human population. This is nearly as much as all the people who ever lived. More animals are killed for food production each day (221.6 million excluding fish2 and shrimps3) than the total number of people killed in all wars throughout history4.

This scale of killing is a result of technological advancements and industry concentration. These developments enabled fewer but larger farms to operate with increased efficiency. Conditions for these animals are often dire, with over 90% worldwide housed in intensive systems that prioritise economic efficiency over animal welfare5. This has led to a variety of health and welfare issues, including organ failure, injuries, inability to express natural behaviour, and high mortality rates. All species of farmed animals face their own distinct set of hardships. Over 70% of the 24 billion chickens alive today live in crowded and inhumane conditions on intensive farms. These chickens have been bred to grow so fast, they struggle to carry their own weight and many suffer from leg deformities. They live in large, dense groups where they sometimes hurt or even cannibalise each other. To prevent this, their beaks are often trimmed when they’re young. Similar practices are common with pigs and cows. Pigs are housed so densely that they regularly injure each other out of frustration. In prevention, piglets are usually tail-docked and have their teeth ground down. Cows endure confinement, forced breeding, and painful procedures such as castration, dehorning and branding without adequate pain relief. Moreover, as dairy cows must calve regularly, their calves are taken away from their mothers and raised in isolation. 

Understanding these numbers and the depth of suffering is crucial to understanding why caring about animal welfare is important. The reality is that billions of animals worldwide live brief, confined, and commodified lives. The question of how to appropriately weigh the lives and suffering of animals against those of humans is often raised. A key point of consensus here is that sentience —the capacity to have subjective experiences and feelings like pain or pleasure – matters. Some argue that consciousness is also morally relevant. Current literature suggests that farmed animals are probably conscious6, albeit potentially not to the same extent as humans. Given this, even if farmed animals were to be attributed just a fraction, say 5%, of the moral weight compared to humans, the numbers still paint a grim picture. Therefore, regardless of the exact moral weighting, the scale of suffering in factory farming makes it a profound and neglected ethical concern. In the US, around 97% of philanthropic funding is directed towards human-related causes. The remaining 3% is divided between animal welfare and environmental issues. Within this funding spent on animal welfare, only 1% is dedicated to farmed animals, despite them making up over 99.6% of domesticated animals7. Unfortunately, there are no precise figures for Germany.

Figure 1: Spending of donations to animal charities in the US. Source, ACE8

Beyond animal welfare concerns, animal agriculture is also a major driver of exnvironmental issues. Accounting for 14.5-20% of global greenhouse gas emissions9, it exceeds the total emissions from all means of transport combined, that is, cars, trucks, airplanes, ships, etc.10 Additionally, animal agriculture is a major contributor to nitrogen pollution, primarily through the release of ammonia from manure. In Germany, this has led to serious concerns about air and water quality, as well as the health of natural ecosystems. Livestock farming is the largest single contributor to biodiversity loss, mainly through deforestation. As an extremely inefficient system of food production, land use is at the heart of this issue11. While animal agriculture occupies 80% of global agricultural land, it only yields 18% of our calories. For this reason, it also poses a threat to food security. Antibiotic resistance and zoonotic diseases (including pandemic risks) pose additional global health risks12. With global meat consumption projected to increase by 70 to 100% by 2050, these hidden health impacts and costs of intensive livestock farming are only set to increase13. 

What are alternative proteins and why are they important?

Alternative proteins are proteins that present alternatives to conventional animal products for human consumption and are derived from plant sources (like soy or peas), fungi (such as mycelium), insects, or through processes like cultivation and fermentation. Some of these products are available to consumers today, including numerous plant-based and fermentation-derived options. Others, such as cultivated meat, are primarily in development for now. Compared to conventional animal products, alternative proteins require fewer inputs, such as land and water, and generate far fewer negative externalities, such as greenhouse gas emissions14. Additionally, the advances in alternative proteins – particularly in technologies that enable protein production using solar power, CO2, and hydrogen as feedstock – present opportunities for existential risk reduction. Such innovative approaches could revolutionise food production by significantly reducing the need for agricultural land.

Despite decades of advocacy to raise awareness of the negative impacts of factory farming, meat consumption remains relatively steady15. This shows that for most people it is challenging to change their eating habits, and a lot depends on having comparable alternatives to switch to. This is where alternative proteins come in: they offer people the products they like to eat without the environmental and animal welfare costs. Alternative proteins may be the only solution that doesn’t require consumer sacrifice. Right now, these alternatives aren’t quite there yet in terms of price, taste, convenience, and nutritional value. We expect that reaching this will be a key milestone for consumer acceptance, to end factory farming in the long term.

Germany as a global leader in alternative proteins

Germany is particularly well-positioned to become a global innovation leader in the field of alternative proteins. First, Germany has more than 400 universities covering a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines, complemented by a unique network of non-university research institutions. With annual research and development expenditure of over 100 billion euros – more than France and the UK combined – Germany is in a strong position to lead innovation across the entire spectrum of alternative protein research. In addition, a strong ecosystem of innovative start-ups and established companies that expand their portfolios with alternative proteins has developed: Of around 1,150 companies that produce plant-based alternatives worldwide, at least 70 are based in Germany. Of these, many are promising start-ups in the fields of cell cultivation and precision fermentation. While Germany has fewer start-ups than the U.S. and Israel, its more mature start-ups and leadership in certain disciplines may contribute significantly to global protein innovation16.

In Europe, Germany is by far the largest market for plant-based products, with a market size of 1.9 billion dollars in 202217. This is also reflected in consumer surveys: German consumers are particularly open to alternative proteins. According to surveys commissioned by GFI Europe, 47% of Germans would try cultivated meat, and 30% say they want to eat more plant-based meat18. In terms of the political landscape, the German government has previously lagged in supporting the protein transition compared to other countries. However, the 2024 federal budget announcement of a €38 million investment marks a significant step forward. While Germany’s increased investment is commendable, German start-ups face challenges within the broader EU regulatory landscape. The approval process for novel foods, including cultivated meat and precision fermentation products, has been slow, hindering market entry for innovative alternative proteins.19

Working to advance the development and adoption of alternative proteins is probably one of the highest-impact careers in terms of ending factory farming. Because of the reasons described above, careers in Germany may be especially impactful. 

Current state and what is most needed

The current state and key bottlenecks for alternative proteins depend on the field of innovation. If you’re completely new to the space, consider checking out GFI’s introduction to alternative proteins.

  • Plant-based products are already produced at scale and often at price parity with conventional animal products yet are sometimes lacking in taste. Hybrid products offer the potential to improve the taste and texture of conventional plant-based products. 
  • Cultivated meat is produced by growing real animal cells in a controlled environment, mimicking the tissue formation in living animals. This technology shows a lot of promise as it can produce real animal products like meat or fish, without needing to raise or slaughter animals. This is still at the prototype stage, however, with research and development (R&D) being the major hurdle. Regulatory barriers also become significant once these products are ready for the market in the EU. In 2020, Singapore was the first country to approve the commercial sale of cultivated meat, followed by the United States in June 2023 and Israel in January 2024. In July 2024, a French start-up made the first-ever regulatory submission for cultivated meat in the EU.20
  • Precision fermentation uses microorganisms, such as yeast or bacteria, that are modified to produce specific functional ingredients. This technology is also used to make insulin for diabetic patients and rennet for cheese. In the alternative protein sector, precision fermentation can be used to produce specific proteins, enzymes, or fats that are typically derived from animals like casein. Precision fermentation is promising, particularly in enhancing plant-based products to achieve taste parity with animal-sourced foods. It could also produce essential growth proteins for cultivated meat, currently a significant cost factor in its production. Challenges for precision fermentation include scaling up manufacturing capacity and navigating regulatory landscapes, especially in the EU where it intersects with GMO regulations.
  • Hybrid products are a blend of plant-based ingredients with meat, including cultivated meat, or, for example, with specific components produced through precision fermentation. Hybrid products with plant-based ingredients look promising because they presumably face fewer R&D and manufacturing challenges. 
  • Biomass fermentation uses the rapid growth of microorganisms to make large amounts of protein-rich food efficiently. Here, the reproducing microorganisms themselves are the main ingredients for alternative proteins. Biomass fermentation is more advanced in development than precision fermentation and cultivated meat, with the ability to produce at scale already now, as seen with products from companies like Quorn. Scaling up manufacturing capacity remains a primary bottleneck​​.

To effectively address these bottlenecks, there is a need for increased (public) funding for R&D as well as a supportive regulatory framework that will facilitate market authorization. With €38 million in funding for the sustainable protein transition in Germany, the funding is significantly lower than in other countries (e.g., in the Netherlands, Denmark or France) and negligible compared to government funding in other areas, such as renewable energy.21 Current levels of public funding are still below those justified by the scale of moral, environmental, and even economic benefits of alternative proteins. The same is true for EU funding. While significant EU funds are currently being directed towards addressing climate change and supporting traditional agriculture, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme, the Horizon program, has allocated only minimal funding for alternative proteins. In 2022, Horizon Europe, announced €25 million for sustainable proteins. This figure is negligible compared to the tens of billions spent under the programme annually.22 To realise the potential of alternative proteins, there is a need for increased public funding both at the (German) national level and at the EU level.

Figure 2: Total and 2023 public funding by government, 202323

Furthermore, regulatory refinements in the EU are needed to enable (easier) market authorisation of alternative proteins while maintaining the highest safety standards. Regulatory uncertainty remains a major obstacle for food business operators seeking to develop or produce alternative protein products in the EU. The current approval process for novel foods in the EU includes the following three rounds and can take up to several years:

  1. The first round includes documentation and submission, in which the applicant provides all necessary documentation for an initial assessment to check if the application is complete. The EU does not provide clear details about what has to be in the dossier, and pre-submission consultations are not possible. There is no strict timeline for this phase, and details of the application are kept confidential.
  2. The second round is the safety evaluation by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). EFSA aims to complete this assessment within nine months, providing a scientific opinion on the safety of the novel food. Based on EFSA’s positive assessment, the European Commission submits a draft implementing act proposing the authorization of the novel food to the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed.
  3. In the third round, representatives of the Member States in the Standing Committee vote on the approval of the product. To authorise the novel food, at least 55% of the Member States representing at least 65% of the EU population must vote in favour. The decision may deviate from EFSA’s recommendation, i.e. individual states may vote against approval for ideological reasons, even if there are no safety concerns from a scientific perspective.

Career paths 

The Alternative Protein industry is rapidly growing with a diverse range of roles and skills in high demand. These include (1) policy and advocacy, (2) research and development, and (3) business and entrepreneurship. Skills from nutrition, biotech, consumer science, sustainability, marketing, and technology sectors are increasingly valuable as this movement grows.

Policy and Advocacy

Engaging in policy or advocacy for alternative proteins, especially in securing more funding and refining the regulatory framework, is potentially one of the highest-impact career paths in the sector. By increasing funding and supportive regulations, the development and market authorization of alternative proteins can be expedited. Potential career paths are outlined below. For careers in Germany, have a look at this report on careers in politics and policy in Germany. It lists in more detail what needs to be done in various jobs, what is important, etc.

Lobbying

A career in lobbying for alternative proteins involves actively advocating for policy changes and increased funding at the national or EU level. Engaging in lobbying for alternative proteins in the European Union can be especially impactful, potentially more so than at national levels. This is because the EU is the source of many overarching regulations and directives that member countries must follow. Lobbyists focus on influencing lawmakers and stakeholders to support the development and market authorization of alternative proteins. In the EU, about three times more lobbying money goes to animal products than alternatives.24 This suggests a substantial opportunity for increased impact by boosting these numbers. Key advocacy groups include:

  • Well-established environmental NGOs could be influenced to shift their focus and lobby more towards alternative proteins. Some German (based) organisations include WWF Germany and Greenpeace Germany.
  • Consumer and retail organisations like the Bundesverband des Deutschen Lebensmittelhandels could be strategic options for advocacy because they are important for the EU and most of them maintain a neutral stance on alternative proteins.
  • International NGOs such as The Good Food Institute Europe (GFI Europe) specifically focusing on alternative proteins or ProVeg International with a strong focus on plant-based alternatives could be an essential driver for the lobbying efforts. 
  • Industry associations such as BALPro, the German industry association for alternative proteins, Food Fermentation Europe, the industry alliance for the food fermentation sector, Cellular Agriculture Europe / Cellular Agriculture Germany, the coalition of food companies in the cellular agriculture sector or the European Plant-Based Foods Association (ENSA), representing the interests of plant-based food manufacturers in Europe, could be very effective in advocating for policy changes to support alternative proteins.
  • SustainablePublicAffairs, a lobbying firm that specialises in influencing European policy to support sustainable innovations, including alternative protein sources.

If you’re interested in a career in lobbying for alternative proteins, good steps to get there are:

  • For students or early career professionals: send out open applications for an internship to relevant organisations. These can be the organisations mentioned above or specialised lobbying firms that advise several companies. There you often have a steep learning curve and learn how lobbying works in practice. You can often find lobby jobs under the keyword “public affairs” or “Politikberatung”. A relevant job portal for Germany is Politik & Kommunikation Jobs. 
  • For mid-career professions: look out for vacancies from relevant organisations.
  • In general, build up relevant knowledge, skills, and experience such as:
    • Understanding of the political landscape: A comprehensive knowledge of the political environment, especially in relation to food policy and sustainability, is essential. This includes awareness of current debates, and policy trends, and the ability to anticipate how changes in the political landscape could impact the alternative proteins sector. Following POLITICO’s EU Confidential podcast or watching the ARD Tagesschau / ZDFheute News is a helpful way to stay informed about current political events in the European Union and Germany.
    • Industry-specific knowledge: Familiarity with the alternative proteins sector, including trends, challenges, and key players. Subscribing to the GFI Europe Newsletter, for example, for the latest alternative protein news.  
    • Experience in EU institutions: Familiarity with the workings of EU institutions such as the European Parliament, European Commission, and European Council is vital if your lobbying is focused on the EU. Experience working in these EU institutions, whether as an intern or full-time employee, is a valuable addition to your academic background, especially if it is not explicitly focused on politics and EU policy. It will give you a solid foundation for understanding legislative processes and regulatory frameworks within the EU.
    • Networking skills: Strong networking skills are crucial for building a web of contacts in the industry. Attend relevant events, conferences, and meetings to build relationships with policymakers and industry stakeholders.
    • Advocacy skills: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to present compelling arguments are necessary in successfully advocating for policy changes and convincing stakeholders.

Research behind lobby work

A lot of research is needed behind effective lobby efforts. A career in research to support lobbying efforts typically involves conducting in-depth research and analysis on various aspects of the industry, including market trends, technological advancements, environmental impact, and regulatory landscapes. Professionals in this field often work at the same organisations involved in advocacy (some of which are listed above) but focus more on gathering and synthesising data to inform lobbying strategies, rather than direct persuasion. Key responsibilities include developing white papers, policy briefs, and reports that provide evidence-based insights to support lobbying efforts. If you’re interested in a research role to support lobby efforts, good steps to get there are:

  • For students or early career professionals: send out open applications for an internship to relevant organisations to build up experience and network.
  • For mid-career professions: look out for vacancies from relevant organisations.
  • In general, build up relevant knowledge, skills, and experience such as:
    • Research skills and strategic thinking. In certain research roles, having a PhD can be a benefit.
    • Understanding of the political landscape (see above, outlined in lobbying).
    • Industry-specific knowledge. Familiarity with the alternative proteins sector, including trends, challenges, and key players.

Civil servant EU/member state

The role of an EU Policy Officer is centred around engaging with the complexities of EU food regulation and agricultural policy. This position offers the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of how food policies are shaped and implemented across the European Union. Different career paths within the EU include:

If you’re interested in a career as a civil servant for alternative proteins, good steps to get there would be:

  • For students and early-career professionals: Entering the field can be effectively initiated through the Bluebook Traineeship, which offers practical experience and insight into the workings of the EU. Alternatively, a national-level internship, such as at a Federal Ministry or the German Bundestag, provides a solid foundation and exposure to the intricacies of EU policy at a national level.
  • For mid-career professionals: Those with more experience can explore opportunities as a contract agent through the CASTsystem. This path offers temporary positions within EU institutions. 

Politics

Working within politics also presents an avenue to advance alternative proteins.

  • At the EU level, this could involve serving as an assistant to a member of the European Parliament. In this role, you can influence policies and legislation regarding alternative proteins, contributing to discussions and policy development. Relevant parliamentary committees are:
    • The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): This committee is a major player in shaping the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as well as policies related to animal health and welfare, and quality of agriculture. AGRI is involved in preparing reports for legislative proposals under the co-decision procedure between the Parliament and the Council.
    • The Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI): ENVI is responsible for improving food information for consumers, notably through the regulation of labelling and the placement of products on the market. This committee’s role is critical in shaping policies and regulations related to food safety, including those governing novel foods​​.
  • Similarly, at the national level, becoming an assistant to a member of a national parliament offers a chance to shape and drive the agenda for alternative proteins within a specific country. There are also staff members of the parliamentary groups who are responsible for specific areas of expertise and, for example, take on the coordination of members of parliament among themselves. These staff members often work in these roles for several years, while the employment of staff members for individual parliamentarians depends on whether their politicians are re-elected or if they can secure a new position with another member of parliament.
  • The committees in the German Bundestag generally correspond to the structure of the various ministries. For example, the Agriculture Committee is responsible for the topics of the Ministry of Agriculture. Relevant committees include:
  • Committee on Agriculture
  • Committee on Education and Research
  • Committee on Economic Affairs and Climate Action
  • Committee on Environment

Research and Development

Career paths in research and development of alternative proteins are usually within academia, start-ups/companies, or think tanks. There is a broad range of important research needed on alternative proteins, including their development, their health and environmental effects, consumer acceptance, and policy analysis. The non-profit organisation Animal Advocacy Careers views technical research on alternative proteins as a particularly neglected and impactful career path to reduce animal suffering; there is a skill profile available for this.

If you are a student and want to write your thesis about an important research question, have a look at the database by Vegan Thesis.

Academia

Pursue a PhD or work in a postdoctoral position. Although Germany has an excellent research infrastructure, many research opportunities remain untapped. In general, alternative protein research requires diverse expertise. Research in Germany covers a broad spectrum that includes scientific and technical research into proteins on a plant, cultivated and fermentative basis. In addition, studies deal with the effects on the environment, the nutritional value, the legal framework, and public acceptance of these alternative protein products.

Examples of research into alternative proteins at German universities are: 

Examples of research at non-university research institutes: 

Think tanks

Think tanks in the alternative protein sector are dedicated to researching and advocating for sustainable protein sources, such as plant-based, cultured meat, and fermentation-derived proteins. They operate at the intersection of science, policy, and industry, providing evidence-based insights and recommendations to policymakers, industry leaders, and the public. Professionals in these organisations typically engage in:

  • Research and analysis: Conducting comprehensive studies on market trends, technological advancements, and policy impacts in the alternative protein sector.
  • Policy advocacy: Developing and promoting policy recommendations to support the growth of the alternative protein industry.
  • Communication and outreach: Spreading research findings and policy proposals to a wider audience, including through reports, conferences, and media engagement.

Some notable German or European think tanks and research institutes on this topic are:

Start-ups/companies

Working within an alternative protein start-up or company offers a dynamic and innovative environment where a growing number of roles and skills are needed. The potential roles and specific skills required depend on various factors, such as the stage of the start-up (e.g., early-stage vs a new alternative protein branch in an established corporation), the technology used (plant-based, fermentation, cultivated meat, hybrid), and the go-to-market strategy25. Crucial career paths include:

  • Research science.
  • Product developing: Design and refine alternative protein products to meet consumer needs and preferences, focusing on taste, texture, and nutritional value.
  • Process engineering:  Specialise in scaling up production processes from the lab to commercial production.

In the early stages, start-ups typically hire their core team, including management and key roles like the Chief Scientific Officer. These roles are often recruited directly by the (co-)founders. When a start-up has gone through one or two funding rounds, it usually rapidly expands its team with multiple positions opening simultaneously. If you’re looking for a career in this space, the end of a funding round is a good opportunity to look for potential job openings. More established start-ups and larger companies, on the other hand, have more formal and structured recruitment processes. These are usually handled by their HR departments or through external recruitment agencies. Some key skills essential in start-ups or companies in this sector include26:

  • Knowledge of biology, chemistry, and biochemistry: Working with alternative protein products requires a strong foundation in scientific knowledge and hard skills, as well as a deep understanding of complex processes. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of biology, chemistry, and biochemistry to successfully develop and work with these products, which may be derived from various biological sources such as plants and microbes.
  • Engineering and manufacturing expertise: Alternative protein products are typically produced using novel technologies, so expertise in engineering and manufacturing is important for ensuring that these products are made efficiently and to high standards.
  • Food science and nutrition: Alternative protein products must meet the same safety and quality standards as traditional protein sources, so knowledge of food science and nutrition is important for developing and producing these products.
  • Flexibility/entrepreneurial spirit: Positions in start-ups often require a blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.

For a comprehensive list of German start-ups, check out this report (pp. 40-44). 

Business and entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs and business professionals in this domain are tasked with the challenge of navigating a rapidly evolving landscape, identifying niche markets, and scaling innovative products. They must have a keen eye for emerging trends and an understanding of relevant regulatory environments. Relevant career paths include:

  • Marketing and sales: Work in a company/start-up to understand consumer behaviour, create compelling narratives around alternative protein products, and develop strategies to bring them to market. As the alternative protein industry grows, there’s also a growing need for adept marketing professionals to shape perceptions and convey the benefits of these novel food sources to the masses.
  • Business development and strategy: Work in a company/start-up to identify market opportunities, build partnerships, and create long-term strategies to help alternative protein companies grow and succeed. The alternative protein industry is a rapidly changing and competitive field, so business development and strategic thinking skills are important for helping companies navigate this environment.
  • Founding a start-up: Found an alternative protein start-up. This requires not just technical knowledge but also entrepreneurial skills to secure funding, market the product, and manage a growing business. This career path is extremely important to the sector but has a higher risk.
  • Consulting: Use your expertise to advise existing companies on market trends, regulatory issues, and business strategies.
  • Investment: Invest in alternative protein companies/vegan stocks, e.g., at Blue Horizon.

Sources

Find opportunities on job boards

Learn more

Courses & career tools

Who is working on this problem?

Networking and community

Conferences & Events 

Newsletters & magazines

Podcasts

Beyond your career

The possibilities for helping advance alternative proteins don’t end with your career choice. As a citizen, the potential for influence extends beyond your job title.

  • Contribute financially to high-impact organisations. Research organisations with the greatest impact through Animal Charity Evaluators, Giving Green, or Effektiv Spenden.
  • Donate your time with skilled volunteering for high-impact organisations. Explore opportunities on the EA Opportunity Board or reach out to organisations directly. You can also get involved in a political party and help advance the issue there.
  • If you are a student: Join or found a student group on alternative proteins at your university. Currently, there are two “Alt Protein Project” chapters in Germany: at the University of Bayreuth and at the Technical University of Munich.
    • Increase demand for alternative proteins by your consumption patterns.
    • You might consider voting for parties that generally prioritise animal welfare. Such parties are more likely to support initiatives aligned with the development and promotion of alternative proteins.

Footnotes