New Report Reveals How Alternative Proteins Can Restore 47 Million Acres of U.S. Farmland

How a 50% Protein Shift Could Free Up Land the Size of South Dakota

By Milo Runkle

As the world grapples with the urgent need to mitigate climate change and preserve biodiversity, one powerful solution has emerged: alternative proteins.

‍A new report by The Good Food Institute and Highland Economics, titled "Land Use Analysis for Alternative Proteins and U.S. Climate Goals," highlights the transformative potential of shifting to alternative proteins in the United States.

This blog post explores the key findings of the report, shedding light on how a transition to alternative proteins can play a critical role in achieving U.S. climate goals and restoring threatened ecosystems.

Key Findings: The Power of Alternative Proteins

Same Amount of Protein, Less Cropland:‍

The report estimates that a 50% shift from conventional animal-based proteins to alternative proteins would require 47.3 million fewer acres of cropland to produce the same amount of protein. This includes 13.4 million acres of feed crops and 33.9 million acres of forage.

As the report notes, "Restoring 47.3 million acres is equivalent to restoring an area approximately the size of South Dakota."

Large-Scale Restoration of Threatened Ecosystems:‍

A shift toward alternative proteins would enable the restoration of 139, or 64%, of the 216 U.S. ecosystems that are currently threatened.

The report emphasizes, "Under a biodiversity strategy that prioritizes restoring threatened ecosystems, a shift toward alternative proteins would have a significant impact on preserving our natural heritage."

Carbon Sink Optimization Through Forests and Riparian Areas/Wetlands:

The report underscores the potential for restored croplands to sequester 177.8 million metric tons of CO2e annually. This figure is larger than the combined CO2 emissions from all U.S. domestic flights and represents a 22% increase in the average net national carbon sink related to all land use, land use change, and forestry.

"Under a carbon strategy that prioritizes the restoration of ecosystems with the highest sequestration potential," the report states, "a shift toward alternative proteins offers a powerful tool in our fight against climate change."

Restoration Opportunities Vary by Region:‍

The benefits of alternative protein adoption are not uniform across the U.S. The report highlights that the highest number of acres prioritized for restoration occurs in the Midwest and the South, which together account for 33% to 48% of the restored acreage in both biodiversity and carbon sequestration strategies.

"These regions play a crucial role in the overall success of restoration efforts," the report notes, emphasizing the need for region-specific approaches.

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‍Actions to Realize the Potential of Alternative Proteins‍

To fully leverage the benefits of alternative proteins, coordinated actions are needed from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. The report provides several recommendations.

For NGOs, the recommendations include advocating for increased governmental support for alternative protein research and development, assessing and promoting policies that support U.S. farmers to ensure they benefit from the shift to alternative proteins, and working across borders to expand and optimize the land use efficiency benefits of alternative proteins. For governments, the report recommends increasing public funding for alternative protein research and development (R&D) to improve product taste, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

It also suggests promoting the commercialization and scale-up of alternative protein production, ensuring equitable support for new workforce opportunities, and implementing policies that support U.S. farmers while fostering new markets for domestically produced alternative protein crops.

A Sustainable Path Forward

The transition to alternative proteins presents an unparalleled opportunity to transform U.S. land use, helping the country meet its ambitious climate and biodiversity goals. By reducing the reliance on land-intensive animal agriculture, the U.S. can free up millions of acres for ecosystem restoration, significantly enhance its carbon sequestration capacity, and preserve threatened ecosystems across the nation.

At Joyful Ventures, we are committed to supporting the development and commercialization of alternative proteins. We believe that this transition is not only essential for the environment but also represents a significant investment opportunity. As the market for alternative proteins grows, so too will the benefits for our planet and future generations.