GIANT LEAPS is working in line with the Farm-to-Fork strategy and contributing to the Green Deal target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. However, achieving the dietary shift in practice is complex due to the diverse set of actors involved and the knowledge gaps scattered across the various alternative protein sources and domains of health, environment, and barriers to adoption.

Objectives

By substituting the consumption of traditional animal proteins with alternative sources such as plants, microalgae, insects, and single-cell proteins, we can reduce the footprint of our food system in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, energy, water, land use, and other environmental impacts. 

This project delivers innovative methodologies, datasets, and technologies to speed up the dietary shift towards sustainability and circularity. We are engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders to promote societal, economic, and policy changes that reduce the environmental impact of our food system while improving the health and well-being of European citizens. The aim is to create a safe, health-promoting, and sustainable food system that covers at least 50% of total protein demand with alternative protein sources by 2030.

The GIANT LEAPS consortium of experts spans all areas of expertise required to address these knowledge gaps and proactively engage in the optimized future diets based on alternative proteins that are widely accepted across stakeholder groups. We have selected specific protein sources for either targeted or full assessment based on their current level of specification, and our innovations and improved methods combined with accessible and comprehensive information will enable policymakers, value chain actors, and the general public to make more sustainable and healthy dietary choices.

Project information:

Website: https://giantleaps.eu/

Project coordinator: Wageningen University

Duration: 1 september 2022 - 31 August 2026

Funding program: European Union’s Horizon 

Grant Agreement no:  101059632