North Carolina State University (NC State) has announced a five-year, $30 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund to help the university create a biomanufacturing hub for dietary proteins that are environmentally friendly, healthy, tasty, and affordable.

The Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein will research, create, and commercialize new technologies focused on dietary proteins as well as provide training for the emerging industry workforce and gauge consumers’ protein preferences. In addition, the funding will support research on three types of sustainable proteins: plant-based products; precision fermentation to produce proteins and nutrients that can be used in food formulations; and cultivated meat grown from animal cells.

As part of its $1 billion commitment to help transform food and agricultural systems to support healthy lives sustainably, Bezos Earth Fund has committed $100 million to establish a network of open-access research and development centers focused on sustainable protein alternatives, expanding consumer choices.

“As a land-grant university in a state with significant animal agriculture, NC State is uniquely positioned to help shape the future of sustainable food production,” said NC State chancellor Randy Woodson. “We’re thankful for the support from the Bezos Earth Fund that will help drive economic and workforce development in this critical area of sustainable protein production in order to feed a growing world population in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.”

“Food production is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s critical we find ways to feed a growing population without degrading the planet,” said Bezos Earth Fund president and CEO Andrew Steer. “Sustainable protein has tremendous potential, but more research is needed to reduce the price and boost the flavor and texture to ensure nutritious, affordable products are available. It’s about choice.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/DenisTangneyJr)