Novel Protein Sources for Food Security and Climate (ScenoProt)

Public description of the goals at the beginning of the project

Our vision is that in 2030 the Finnish consumers will eat tasty, wholesome, sustainably produced and nutritionally sufficient doses of protein, optimized for each age cohort according to Finnish nutrition recommendations. The protein self-sufficiency is around 60%. Consumers have shifted from high meat consumption to plant- and mushroom based foods and the use of fish and other aquatic products have increased in the diet. Consequently, consumers enjoy better health and suffer less from diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Many diversified novel products have appeared to market and are commonly used both for food and feed. Both conventional and novel Finnish protein products have reached global markets with a flourishing brand based on resource efficient and carbon neutral supply chain.

Public description of the results at the end of the project

ScenoProt aimed to diversify protein sources and improve protein self-sufficiency. Scenarios showed that the technical readiness for a change already exists. The diversification of the food system increases resilience in a changing world. Based on cultivation experiments, fava beans, hemp and quinoa have yield and carbon sequestration potential. These were also good in nutritional value. We developed new product concepts and processing methods for fava bean and hemp products. In addition, research on feed, fish, fungi and insects produced information on the new sources of protein. During the studies in Central Finland, new business was created in the region. The market and consumer attitudes have become more favorable to plant-based products in recent years. Our clinical intervention showed that switching from animal to plant based dietary protein sources has both health and environmental benefits. The best diet is likely to be found between the extremes.