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Future Meat Technologies focuses on producing fat and muscle
cells that are the core building blocks of meat, and is one of
several firms working on technology to match rising demand for
meat without adding more pressure on land from livestock.
The firm's founder and chief scientist, Yaakov Nahmias, said
cultured meat typically had a production price of about $10,000
per kg but so far his company had reduced that to $800/kg and
had "a clear roadmap to $5-$10/kg by 2020."
Tyson's venture capital arm has supported the Jerusalem-based
startup by co-leading $2.2 million in seed investment.
"We continue to invest significantly in our traditional meat
business but also believe in exploring additional opportunities
for growth that give consumers more choices," said Justin
Whitmore, Tyson's executive vice president for corporate
strategy.
In December, Tyson raised its stake in plant-based protein maker
Beyond Meat.
Demand for meat is expected to double between 2000 and 2050,
when the earth's population is set to surpass 9 billion, and
proponents of growing meat in the lab say it is the only way to
meet such demand without destroying the environment.
A study by Oxford University and the University of Amsterdam
estimated that cultured meat would produce 96 percent less
greenhouse gas, consume 82 to 96 percent less water and
virtually eliminate land requirements needed to raise livestock.
(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Edmund Blair)
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