How the Alt Protein Project is growing a brighter food future in Argentina

Looking to the future

When asked what they hope the Argentinian alternative protein landscape looks like in five years, both Federico and Carolina pointed to a more robust community. The UNSAM APP is the first–and currently only–APP group in Argentina, but they hope to see more Argentinian universities join APP’s global community soon.

“While it was exciting in the beginning to say we were the first, now we need new voices, perspectives, and backgrounds… There is enough work for everyone,” says Carolina.

Federico added that in five years, he hopes to see a more established ecosystem, where their upcoming Argentinian Congress for Alternative Proteins (CAPA) becomes an annual gathering with even greater “visibility and awareness.” At the close of our conversation, Carolina reflected that while many people are eager to join existing movements, it is much harder to find those willing to “build this ecosystem together.” 

I have no doubt that the next five years will continue to bear fruit for the Argentinian alternative protein ecosystem, thanks to the UNSAM APP and their commitment to laying the groundwork for others, taking action to create the opportunities they wish already existed. Their story is an inspiring example of how students can lead national change. In the years to come, I hope we see similar new ecosystems sprout up around the world, as students, researchers, industry members, and government officials join together to grow a safer, more robust food system.

Given the extensive ecosystem-building work the UNSAM APP has accomplished in less than two years, its vision for the future feels already underway. What were once scattered “fruit trees” of alternative protein experts across Argentina are now transforming into a flourishing orchard where people across academia, industry, and government can grow together towards a thriving alternative protein ecosystem.