Cellular agriculture
Respectfarms 
At the launch of the feasibility study: (from left) Michel Nick, fenaco cooperative; Tim van de Rijdt, Mosa Meat; Leon Moonen and Maud van Eert, Crole; Ruud Zanders, Florentine Zieglowski, Ralf Becks, RESPECTfarms; Simcha Nyssen, GAIA; Ira van Eelen, RESPECTfarms; Frank Puchala, Ruud van Raak, Jeroen Elzenaar, Kansen voor West; Hans Moyson, GAIA; Chiara van Boheemen, RESPECTfarms; Jan Westra, Priva.
THE NETHERLANDS, Amsterdam. RESPECTfarms have officially launched its feasibility study into decentralised cultured meat production on European farms. With funding from the European Union, non-profits and industry partners such as German deli producer Rügenwalder Mühle, results are expected within 18 months.
According to a RESPECTfarms press release, the project finished its first funding round, receiving EUR 900,000 provided by the European Structural and Investment Funds. Various companies and organisations make up the consortium, including cultured meat pioneer Mosa Meat, ag tech company Priva, and Dutch farmer Leon Moonen with the Crole farm. Further support comes from Rügenwalder Mühle; Swiss farmers' association fenaco Genossenschaft; Dutch cooperative bank Rabobank; and Belgian animal rights organisation GAIA.
"We have been working towards this moment for a long time. We can finally start, true to the motto: just do it," said Florentine Zieglowski, co-founder of RESPECTfarms.
Over the next 18 months, RESPECTfarms will trail the concept of producing cultivated meat on conventional farms. The first steps will include the design of the first cultivated farm and the creation of a digital prototype.
The research focuses on animal-friendly biopsy collection, culture medium, a cultivated meat bioreactor suitable for farms, and the implications of a local value chain and circular system. The analysis will flow into developing a sustainable business model for farmers.
"We are excited to help develop the vision of how farmers can be involved in the growing ecosystem of cellular agriculture. It is important for our industry to evaluate business models and future value chains that benefit everyone. We are proud to be a scientific and technical partner in this project," said Maarten Bosch, CEO at Mosa Meat.
Source: RESPECTfarms
