Seminario Lessons from COP30 in Brazil: alternative proteins and the global quest for sustainable food systems

What role can alternative proteins play in the transition towards more sustainable food systems?

In the global search for more sustainable food systems, alternative proteins are emerging as a key area of innovation and debate. Building on lessons from COP30 in Brazil, this seminar will explore how science, markets, governance, and society can work together to turn alternative proteins into a concrete opportunity for environmental, social, and economic transformation. Empirical insights are drawn from ongoing research on startups and traditional agribusiness cooperatives in Brazil, a key global meat producer and consumer. Particular attention is given to the role of enabling infrastructures and governance mechanisms in supporting more sustainable and resilient protein value chains.

The seminar will be held by professor Germano Glufke Reis. He is Professor of Management at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Brazil, where he founded and coordinates the Sustainable Food Value Chains Laboratory (SFoodLab). Professor Reis has an extensive track record of research on the alternative protein sector through collaboration with universities, NGOs, and research institution in Brazil and Europe.

Professor Reis will discuss the role of alternative proteins in addressing the intertwined climate, social, and economic challenges facing global food systems. The seminar examines how emerging protein technologies interact with broader transformations in global agri-food systems, integrating perspectives on markets, consumption, innovation ecosystems, and governance.

This seminar is organised with funds granted under the Departments of Excellence 2023–2027 programme.