Food security
Food security
Food security is the ability of a country’s food system to meet the needs of its people in the short, mid, and long term. Recent global events such as the Covid-19 crisis and the war in Ukraine have shown how fragile our food supply chains are, and more challenges are expected in the future, including climate change-related shocks, geopolitical threats, zoonotic diseases, and more.
Alternative proteins: A cornerstone in modern food security strategies
Alternative proteins can function as a reliable source of protein, as they possess distinct characteristics that contribute to the resilience of the industry, setting them apart from conventional protein systems:
- Alternative proteins require a fraction of the land, water, and crops that animal agriculture demands. It can provide critical nutrition, especially in times of climate disasters and geopolitical turmoil, which often disrupt the steady supply of raw materials for animal feed (wheat, soybeans, maize, etc.)
- Since alternative proteins do not involve live animals, they are a great solution to the problem of zoonotic disease epidemics. Indeed, these types of diseases often force farmers to lose a large part of their livestock to food safety concerns.
- Alternative proteins can be industrially produced in areas and countries where animal agriculture can’t meet the domestic demand, for example, in smaller nations. From a national security standpoint, this is a mechanism to boost self-reliance and resilience in times of crisis.
Alternative proteins cannot serve as a single solution for all our food security woes, but they have the potential to transform a large part of our food system so that it is more flexible, agile, and local.
What are Israel’s unique food security challenges, and how does it affect GFI Israel’s work?
Modern food supply chains are complex and global in their reach, and thus, every country should be concerned with potential supply disruptions. Some countries, such as Israel, are particularly vulnerable and face even greater challenges (relative to other Western nations). As a small country, half of which is a desert, Israel relies greatly on imported foods – especially protein – and thus would benefit greatly from a more local and diverse food system.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which erupted in October 2023, brought about numerous disruptions in various segments of Israel’s food supply chain. This situation underscored the interconnectedness of food security with national security. Following this, GFI Israel, in collaboration with Shaldor Consulting, has released a special report on the war’s impact on the protein supply chains and what insights should be derived from this case study. GFI Israel is hopeful that the Israeli food system will soon be restructured to be more resilient to various food security threats.
How does GFI Israel promote alternative proteins as a food security solution?
GFI Israel is leading the development of a comprehensive and open knowledge base for alternative protein in food security. This leadership is demonstrated across various lines of activities, collectively directed toward creating a significant impact:
- Methodology research — As a nascent field, publications on alternative proteins for food security have thus far focused on the vision. We intend to go further by offering a methodology that includes quantifiable measures of alternative proteins’ contribution to food security, considering the current global threats that increase the vulnerability of the animal-derived supply chain. The methodology paper will guide decision-makers on alternative proteins’ potential contribution to diversifying import sources, local production, and storage. The publication is planned for release in 2024.
- Collaborative work with stakeholders — As food security becomes a more pressing issue for our entire global food system, opportunities along the value chain will steadily expand and evolve, presenting new avenues for innovation and growth for food manufacturers, startups, entrepreneurs, and academic institutions. Food security is a multifaceted issue that requires cooperation, and GFI Israel is serving as a point of expertise for alternative proteins’ unique contribution to the field.
- GFI Israel leads the way in developing knowledge within the field of alternative protein as an essential pillar in food security strategies. The combination of a clear understanding of the food system’s challenges and a sustainable vision for the future makes GFI Israel a prominent voice within the food security discourse.
How you can help
Our research, insights, and advocacy are only possible thanks to our generous, global family of donors. GFI Israel is 100% powered by philanthropy. You can fuel this transformative work by supporting us today.
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