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“The global population is rapidly rising and we have a growing proportion of meat eaters and the way the livestock industry deals with that demand is intensive farming practices.”

This is prompting the need for another source of protein — conceived in labs through the cultivation of animal cells.

Initially, Anderson-Baron didn’t know where to start because there was little work being done in Canada. He formed a relationship with U.S.-based New Harvest, a group that supports research in this field, and received a small grant to try and make a leap on his own.

This isn’t a war against the livestock industry, Anderson-Baron said, noting they are very aware Alberta is the “beef capital.”

“We’re not enemies with the livestock industry, it’s not meant to be like that,” he said. “It’s meant to supplement the supply and I think ultimately will relieve some of the need for those more intense farming practices.”

Very early in the process, Anderson-Baron said a major challenge will be funding the current massive costs of production. Growing the animal cells in culture to allow them to grow and divide requires a nutrient supplement, commonly fetal calf serum, which costs about $1,000 per litre.

But the other major obstacle for the industry overall will be consumer acceptance of the new food products. Even Anderson-Baron’s mother said she supports her son, but doesn’t see herself trying cultured meat anytime soon.

“There’s a little more emotion and culture attached to food, so getting people to accept it and realize that it really is the same thing is going to be a challenge,” he said. “It all comes down to taste and price … and I do think cultured meat will get there.”

Having just hired another biologist, the short-term goal for the company is to explore different avenues for funding to continue its research.

“At this point, it’s a bit of a hard sell because we don’t have a product ready to go, so in terms of investors it’s tricky. How do you tell them how this is going to work?” he said.

If the dollars are there, Anderson-Baron said Future Fields hopes to have its first chicken product on the market within five years and continue to grow from there.

duscook@postmedia.com

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