The Problem
By 2050, Earth's population will reach 10 billion, with demand for animal-based foods rapidly growing. The current global supply of animal feed is threatened by climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and soil depletion. We are running out of animal feed.
The supply of animal feed is threatened
The supply of animal feed is facing serious challenges. Climate change is reducing the availability of important ingredients like fishmeal and soy. Deforestation and overfishing are damaging ecosystems that provide feed for farms. The loss of biodiversity is making it harder to produce reliable sources of animal feed. Without sustainable alternatives, these problems will worsen.
We need innovative sources of animal feed
Forage fishing & food insecurity in West Africa
Ingredients used in European fish farms cause hunger in Africa
Fishmeal, a major ingredient used by the fish farming industry, is made from wild-caught fish that are harvested from the planet’s oceans. Yet, 90% of wild fisheries are classified as overfished or harvested at maximal capacity. This means that global forage fish availability is forecast to remain flat, resulting in a scarcity of fish feed ingredients to meet fish demands. Overfishing is undermining the food security of some of the world's poorest groups in regions, including West Africa, where European fishmeal producers harvest forage fish.
Deforestation & soy cultivation in Brazil
Demand for soy is shrinking the Amazon Rainforest
Soybean cultivation is one of the leading causes of deforestation globally. According to the World Economic Forum, 26% of global tree cover loss between 2001 to 2015 was caused by soy production, which is concentrated in fertile rainforest regions like the Amazon Rainforest. Deforestation is damaging the planet’s critical carbon sinks, accelerating climate change. Intensive soybean farming also leads to long-term soil degradation through the depletion of nutrients and organic matter. The use of fertilisers and pesticides in soy farming can lead to nutrient runoff into nearby waterways, causing water pollution, eutrophication, and dead zones in aquatic ecosystems.
Our Solution
CFI is accelerating the development of novel feed ingredients that are sustainable, scalable, and safe. We provide businesses, investors, scientists, and governments with the insights they need to build the food systems of tomorrow.
What are novel animal feeds?
Novel feed ingredients are alternative sources of nutrition for farmed animals. Novel feed ingredients can reduce the environmental impacts of animal farming by substituting or replacing traditional feed like soy and fishmeal. Examples of novel feed ingredients are:
Macroalgae
Plant-based proteins
Single-cell proteins
Microalgae
What ingredients do CFI promote?
The Centre for Feed Innovation assesses novel feed ingredients based on three key criteria: sustainability, scalability, and safety. We only promote ingredients that minimize environmental harm, can be produced in large volumes to meet global demand, and do not threaten to public health or ecosystems.
Sustainable
Sustainable ingredients reduce environmental impact compared to conventional feeds like soy and fishmeal. These ingredients help reduce deforestation, lower emissions, and protect ecosystems, ensuring long-term viability for our food systems.
Scalable
Scalable ingredients can meet the growing global demand by being produced at large volumes and competitive costs. They can outcompete traditional sources and reliably support global food production.
Safe
Safe ingredients are free from risks to public health and ecosystems. They should avoid contamination, disease spread, and protect biosecurity, ensuring the safety of both the food supply and the environment.
An independent voice
The Centre for Feed Innovation is powered by philanthropy. We are committed to providing impartial and transparent insights on the future of animal feed. We identify the best solutions for a sustainable future without favouring any particular industry. Our autonomy empowers us to be a trusted partner in all of our work.