The Catalan Government have announced a €7 million research centre to help companies develop sustainable ways of making meat.

The Center for Innovation in Alternative Proteins (CiPA), based across various sites throughout the region, has been funded by the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda of the Generalitat of Catalonia and the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA).

The centre will help businesses scale up the production of foods such as plant-based meat and fermentation – which uses organisms such as yeast to produce animal proteins and other ingredientsto deliver the flavour and texture of meat, dairy  and eggs without farming animals.

CiPA will also carry out research into how this process can be used to reduce food waste, by transforming agricultural surplus and byproducts into nutritious and delicious food – potentially providing new revenue sources for farmers.

Spain is the fourth largest retail market for plant-based foods across Europe – with sales increasing by 9% between 2020 and 2022 to €447.4 million –  driving green growth and creating new jobs.

Catalonia’s investment will also help Spain meet its climate targets, as plant-based meat can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 98%, and use up to 93% less land and 99% less water than conventional meat. It will also help Catalonia to satisfy demand for meat while reducing the risk of superbugs and pandemics, as alternative proteins are made without antibiotics or industrial animal agriculture.

The centre’s €7 million funding, which will run for four years, is one of the largest investments made in alternative proteins across Spain.

As well as carrying out research, CiPA will help build essential infrastructure including research facilities and pilot plants, enabling startups to expand by providing them with the expertise and specialist equipment needed to develop, test and improve their products.

The Good Food Institute Europe, which works to advance alternative proteins, has welcomed the investment.

Alex Holst, Senior Policy Manager at the Good Food Institute Europe, said: “This landmark announcement is a major step towards turning Catalonia into one of Spain’s leading hubs for sustainable plant-based and fermentation-made foods.

“The region is already home to pioneering alternative protein companies, but this investment will help develop a vibrant Catalan sector capable of producing delicious, affordable foods for the growing alternative protein market, generating highly skilled jobs and export opportunities.”