Policy
Plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat offer clear solutions to major national and global challenges — the very issues governments exist to address. As a nonprofit working toward a sustainable global food system, we advocate for fair policy and public research funding for alternative proteins.
What our work supports
We work to secure government support for alternative protein research and advocate public policy that places all proteins on a level playing field. Public support and fair policy will ensure that alternative proteins are affordable and accessible, leading to a more resilient food supply, more choices for consumers, and a stronger economy.
Driving a strong economy
From semiconductors to solar power, publicly funded research has enabled the success of the most significant innovations since World War II. These innovations have driven economic growth. In the same way, publicly funded research on alternative proteins will stimulate economic growth, provide more opportunities for farmers, and create good jobs.
Creating choices for consumers
The market for plant-based foods has seen rapid growth in recent years. More and more people are also excited about cultivated meat and alternative proteins produced through fermentation. These alternative proteins offer an opportunity to provide consumers with the variety they crave. We advocate for clear and efficient regulations that prioritize consumer safety and minimize red tape.
Building a resilient food supply
Demand for meat is at an all-time high and is expected to continue to rise. Diversifying our food supply by growing the alternative protein sector will pay dividends in terms of both global health and sustainability, which will make our food supply more resilient.
What our U.S. policy team does
The U.S. government plays a crucial role in creating a sustainable, secure, and just food future by supporting public research, fair regulation, and smart investments. Our U.S. Policy and Government Relations team works with leaders across all levels of government to tackle food system challenges through alternative protein solutions.
Our initiatives
Our policy and government relations team is an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, lobbyists, and policy experts. Guided by a belief in societal change and grounded in science, we focus on three primary initiatives to advance alternative proteins. Our international affiliates do similar work abroad.
Securing government funding
Government support will accelerate the growth of alternative proteins. Learn how GFI works to secure public funds for alternative protein research.
Ensuring a clear path to market
Cultivated meat must have an efficient regulatory path to market to be successful. Learn how GFI advocates clear and efficient regulations.
Advocating for fair labeling
Fair public policy is essential for alternative proteins to succeed. Learn how we’re working for policy that places all proteins on a level playing field.
Key alternative protein policy resources
We’ve put together an informative suite of resources, written by both our Policy and Government Relations team and global partners, to help keep you informed on the latest innovations in alternative proteins, the state of global policy, and the legal and policy solutions that address urgent threats to our food system.
Our submissions to policymakers
We submit public comments to policymakers to advance alternative proteins strategically and with integrity.
Meet our policy experts
Pepin Andrew Tuma, JD
VICE PRESIDENT OF POLICY AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Pepin Andrew Tuma leads GFI’s policy team in advancing state and federal initiatives that remove hurdles and leverage resources to catalyze progress on alternative proteins.
Areas of expertise: legislative advocacy, food and nutrition policy, coalition building, campaign strategy
Penny Eastman
SENIOR ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
Penny helps to create a sustainable, secure, and just food system by advancing alternative proteins in Congress.
Areas of expertise: government relations, lobbying, legislation
Madeline Cohen, JD
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, REGULATORY AFFAIRS
Madeline Cohen leads GFI’s regulatory team in implementing regulatory, policy, and litigation strategies to support a clear path to market and a level playing field for alternative proteins.
Areas of expertise: U.S. and global regulation, domestic policy, and litigation
Mackenzie Battle, JD
SENIOR REGULATORY ATTORNEY
Mackenzie Battle supports GFI’s litigation efforts and works on regulatory and policy issues affecting alternative proteins.
Areas of expertise: U.S. and global regulations, lobbying compliance, and legal research
Michael Carter
SENIOR POLICY SPECIALIST
Michael supports the Policy and Government Relations team by providing original writing and analysis in support of alternative protein development and deployment.
Areas of expertise: research and analysis, original writing, multilateral fora, global public investment
Maille O’Donnell
SENIOR POLICY SPECIALIST, PUBLIC INVESTMENT AND INDUSTRY
Maille O’Donnell works to embolden public support for alternative protein commercialization and ensure that agency funders and industry stakeholders have access to accurate information about the alternative protein industry and public resource landscape.
Areas of expertise: Alternative protein commercial landscape, environmental science and policy, project management
Margaret Badding
POLICY SPECIALIST
Margaret works with the Policy and Government Relations team to advance policies supporting the alternative protein sector. Margaret researches policy opportunities, conducts outreach to decision makers in the executive and legislative branches, and writes policy briefs, comments, and other content focused on alternative proteins.
Areas of expertise: Research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, content creation, environmental policy.
Tamar Lieberman
LEGISLATIVE SPECIALIST (STATES)
Tamar Lieberman leads the Policy Department’s state legislative efforts and campaigns for public research to accelerate progress on alternative proteins.
Areas of expertise: policy advocacy campaigns, coalition building, state legislation
Sarah Backer
POLICY ASSOCIATE
Sarah Backer supports the Policy team by researching policy opportunities and using persuasive writing to engage decision-makers, partner organizations, and the public to advance alternative proteins.
Areas of expertise: Research and analysis, content creation, environmental policy
Protein Innovation Nation Newsletter
Protein Innovation Nation is a monthly newsletter covering local and national updates around public research funding, regulation, legislation, and labeling. Hear the latest on key market updates, new reports, and opportunities.
Support our work
Our policy initiatives are made possible thanks to our generous, global family of donors. Philanthropic support is vital to our mission. Connect with us today to discuss how you can help fuel this transformative work.
To FDA on labeling of plant-based meat, eggs, and dairy
To FDA on labeling of plant-based milk alternatives and voluntary nutrient statements
To HHS and USDA regarding the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee