New Zealand's temperate climate and abundant freshwater resources make it an ideal location for cultivating duckweed, a rapidly growing aquatic plant rich in RuBisCo protein. This protein, essential for photosynthesis, is gaining attention as a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional animal-based proteins.
Source: Plantible Foods - Duckweed Production
Duckweed thrives in environments with ample sunlight and water—conditions that are prevalent across New Zealand. With its rapid growth rate, duckweed can yield up to 18 tonnes of protein per hectare annually, significantly surpassing the protein output of traditional crops like soy, which only produce about 1.2 tonnes per hectare.
The economic implications of investing in large-scale duckweed cultivation are substantial: reduced reliance on imported proteins, enhanced food security, and the creation of new jobs in agriculture and biotechnology. Additionally, the rising global demand for plant-based proteins opens up export opportunities for New Zealand’s RuBisCo protein.
Source: rubiscofoods.com Duckweed Applications
Globally, companies are already capitalising on the potential of RuBisCo protein. Plantible Foods in the United States, for instance, secured $30 million in funding to scale its duckweed-based protein operations, highlighting the considerable investment and interest in this area. In the Netherlands, Rubisco Foods set up a facility in 2020 for RuBisCo protein production, while Sweden's Plant Protein Factory is working with green biomass for similar purposes. Israel's start-up Day 8 is also focused on extracting RuBisCo from agricultural waste. In New Zealand, Leaft Foods is leading the charge, exploring sustainable RuBisCo extraction from green leaves in collaboration with local growers.
By leveraging its natural advantages and drawing inspiration from global efforts, New Zealand has the opportunity to become a leader in sustainable RuBisCo protein production, benefiting both its economy and the environment.
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