Europe’s approach to the agri-tech revolution is increasingly viewed as outdated, with its regulations often criticised as overly protectionist and wary of technological advancements. The continent’s approach to cell-grown meat production mirrors this attitude, with the regulatory landscape no longer deemed fit for a fast-evolving sector. As a result, Europe risks falling behind in what could be one of the most significant growth areas of the next few decades, potentially repeating its past missteps with digital technology and electric vehicles.
Once considered a global leader in the development of cell-grown proteins, Europe is now facing considerable challenges. The first lab-grown hamburger was produced by Dutch scientists in 2013, with the Netherlands boasting a well-established ecosystem centred around Wageningen University in Food Valley. However, regulatory obstacles, largely driven by Brussels, have hindered progress in this area. The issue has become entangled in broader political debates, including the ongoing anti-green backlash and culture wars.
Italy has taken a particularly strong stance, banning the production, sale, and promotion of what it refers to as “synthetic meat.” The reasoning behind this is the preservation of cultural heritage and public health. Italy’s position is supported by several other EU member states, which collectively hold enough sway to prevent any substantial changes to the regulatory framework. This leaves the EU’s policies on cell-grown meat largely stagnant.
In the UK, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faces a pivotal decision. Labour can choose to follow the EU’s restrictive Novel Foods Regulation, effectively subjecting the UK’s burgeoning agri-tech sector to the same limitations as the EU. Alternatively, the UK can chart its own course, distancing itself from EU policies and avoiding the influence of countries like Italy, which lead the opposition. Critics argue that the EU’s stance on cell-grown meat is fuelled by vested interests, particularly from the agro-industrial sectors in France, Spain, and Romania, where the “precautionary principle” is often invoked to block progress.
Didier Toubia, CEO of a company with a pending application for lab-grown steak with the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), highlights the UK’s openness to innovation in contrast to the EU’s more divided stance. Northern European nations, such as the Netherlands and Nordic countries, are generally supportive of novel food technologies. In contrast, Southern European countries, benefiting from extensive farm subsidies, exert significant political pressure to maintain the status quo.
Several countries within the EU, including Austria, France, and Italy, have voiced concerns about the long-term sustainability of cell-grown meat, suggesting that it poses a threat to traditional farming methods. This viewpoint reflects a deep-seated belief in preserving the European farming model, which they argue is integral to the continent’s identity and agricultural heritage.
Globally, more than 200 start-ups are working on cell-grown meat production, with some already making strides in bringing their products to market. For example, Aleph Farms, led by Mr Toubia, aims to produce ribeye steaks from Black Angus cows using stem cells stored in a frozen cell bank. The company’s process enables the production of significant quantities of beef without the need for traditional livestock farming. This method is seen as far more efficient, with feed conversion rates significantly higher than those seen in conventional cattle farming.
Meanwhile, Ivy Farm Technologies in the UK, a spin-off from Oxford University, is working on producing cell-grown pork and beef mince. They are developing a scotch egg made from the cells of an Aberdeen Angus cow. Ivy Farm has warned that unless the UK moves away from restrictive European regulations, it may relocate its operations to the United States, where the regulatory environment is more favourable.
So far, the US, Singapore, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand have declared that cell-grown meat is safe for human consumption. The UK was expected to join these countries in approving the technology, but uncertainty caused by an upcoming election has delayed progress. However, the FSA recently approved cultivated chicken for use in pet food, marking the first instance of any type of cell-grown meat being approved within Europe.
The FSA has been collaborating with regulators from other countries that are advancing in cell-grown food, though notably without engaging with the EU. There are currently 470 pending applications for novel foods, and efforts are underway to streamline the approval process. The FSA is advocating for a faster system based on a register of regulated products, as the current process, which requires Parliamentary approval for each new product, is seen as too slow.
Cell-grown meat could offer a range of benefits, particularly for the UK. It aligns with the country’s strengths in sectors like life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and agri-tech. Universities such as Bath and Newcastle are already leading research into alternative proteins, with Newcastle’s 3D Bio-Tissues producing cultivated pork fillet steaks and lab-grown leather. Some estimates suggest that the UK industry could be worth £6.8 billion annually if the sector receives the necessary support.
In terms of global food security, cell-grown meat could help meet the growing demand for animal protein as the population continues to rise, particularly in the Global South. Traditional livestock farming not only requires vast amounts of land and water but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Cell-grown alternatives could reduce the environmental impact of meat production, using far less land and emitting significantly less CO2, particularly if powered by renewable energy.
However, whether the sector can achieve widespread adoption depends on overcoming the high cost of growth media and the ability to compete with traditional meat on price. Despite current challenges, there is optimism that costs will decrease as the technology advances, much like the reductions seen in the solar and battery industries.
The UK’s decision on whether to embrace cell-grown meat will serve as a litmus test for its broader approach to innovation and science. It also represents a significant moment for Labour, as it navigates the balance between tradition and progress. Europe’s resistance to change may provide the UK with an opportunity to lead in this emerging sector, but swift action will be needed to capitalise on the potential benefits.
BSF Enterprise plc (LON:BSFA), the owner of pioneering UK-based clinical and cellular agriculture company 3D Bio-Tissues, is unlocking the next generation of biotech solutions. It is achieving this through an acquisition-led growth strategy to drive the development of lab-grown tissues.
