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How have the companies before taken responsibility and helped to transition farmers to adjust to new technological disruptions

Understand the principles of CSR and how they apply to emerging industries like alternative proteins

Analyze strategies that have been employed in other sectors to mitigate negative impacts on affected workers and communities, such as transition assistance programs and economic diversification plans.

Study examples of successful public-private partnerships that have facilitated economic transition and community development.

Explore how alternative protein companies can collaborate with local governments, non-profits, and other businesses to support affected communities.

The transition to new technologies in the food and agriculture sectors has historically required companies to take active roles in assisting farmers to adapt. Strategies employed include transition assistance programs, economic diversification plans, and public-private partnerships.

1. Transition Assistance Programs and Economic Diversification Plans

Training and Education: Companies have provided training programs to equip farmers with the necessary skills to adopt new technologies. For instance, the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices has been supported through educational initiatives, helping farmers transition to more sustainable methods.

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Agriculture Dive⁠

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Financial Support: Economic incentives, such as subsidies and grants, have been offered to mitigate the financial risks associated with adopting new technologies. In the energy sector, similar approaches have been used to support workers transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

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Science Policy Journal⁠

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Economic Diversification: Encouraging farmers to diversify their income sources has been a strategy to reduce dependency on a single crop or livestock, thereby enhancing resilience to market fluctuations and technological disruptions. This approach has been observed in various sectors undergoing technological transitions.

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Labor for Sustainability⁠

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2. Public-Private Partnerships Facilitating Economic Transition and Community Development

Collaborative Initiatives: Successful transitions have often involved partnerships between governments, private companies, and local communities. These collaborations aim to create supportive ecosystems for technological adoption. For example, in the energy sector, public-private partnerships have been instrumental in developing frameworks for just transitions, ensuring that economic and social impacts on workers and communities are addressed.

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ClimateLinks⁠

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Infrastructure Development: Investments in infrastructure, such as digital technologies and sustainable farming equipment, have been facilitated through these partnerships, enabling farmers to integrate new technologies into their operations. The role of technology in transforming agriculture has been significant, with advancements helping to address longstanding challenges in the sector.

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World Economic Forum⁠

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Policy Support: Public-private partnerships have also focused on creating favorable policies that encourage technological adoption while safeguarding the interests of farmers and communities. This includes developing strategies for economic diversification and just transitions in various sectors.

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NDC Navigator⁠

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In conclusion, companies in the food and agriculture sectors have employed a combination of training, financial support, and collaborative partnerships to assist farmers in adjusting to technological disruptions. These strategies have been crucial in mitigating negative impacts on affected workers and communities, facilitating smoother transitions, and promoting sustainable development.

Recent Developments in Agricultural Technology and Farmer Support

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Agriculture DiveHow food companies can accelerate the regenerative agriculture transitionOctober 30, 2024 — What are the challenges in getting farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices? GILLETT: There's now a lot of farms that are working towards being regenerative and that are having higher crop yields, as well as getting a bright, better price per pound of their product. But switching from one type of practice to another has an associated cost, and typically during the transition period ...⁠

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Journal of Science Policy & GovernanceThe Crisis of US Coal Communities: Strategies for a Just Transition to ...June 21, 2021 — These options, alongside suggested federal funding for direct community aid, work cohesively to provide a lasting source of economic stability, improve environmental and public health in former coal-dependent communities, and mitigate the climate crisis. We call upon the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic⁠

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Labor for SustainabilityWORKERS AND COMMUNITIES IN TRANSITIONReport of the Just Transition Listening Project. By J. Mijin Cha, Vivian Price, Dimitris Stevis, and Todd E. Vachon, with Maria Brescia-Weiler [1]. The major findings of this report derive from more than 100 listening sessions, including qualitative interviews and focused discussion groups with workers and community members who have experienced, are currently experiencing, or anticipate ...⁠

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ClimatelinksFilling the Gap: A Framework for Ensuring a Just Energy Transition for ...October 22, 2024 — A “just energy transition” aims to mitigate the socioeconomic impacts on workers, communities, and the environment during the phasing-out of coal and other fossil fuel energy sources in the global shift towards renewable and low-carbon energy sources. The concept of a just transition is still new to many parts of the world. To date, just transition practices have often come from grassroots ...⁠

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World Economic ForumHow technology is helping solve farming's biggest issues | World ...November 9, 2023 — A whopping 14.5% of global emissions come from the animal agriculture industry, with 65% of these emissions attributed to beef and dairy cattle.Investors are now seeing this as an opportunity to focus on protein innovation. In 2022, investments in this space in Europe have increased by 24%, with companies raising €579 million ($622 million).). However, to ensure a protein transformation that ...⁠

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NDC 3.0 NavigatorDelivers a Just and Equitable Transition - NDC 3.0 NavigatorParagraph 140: “Notes that just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs, and economic diversification are key to maximizing the positive and minimizing the negative impacts of response measures and that strategies related to just transition and economic diversification should be implemented taking into ...⁠

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JPMorgan ChaseSustainable Food Innovation and AgTech Industry Trends - J.P. MorganNovember 19, 2024 — With more frequent forest fires, droughts, hurricanes and floods, U.S. agriculture will need to adapt to ensure production meets consumers’ food demands. “AgTech companies are seeing two problems: Cli...⁠

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Agriculture DiveHow food companies can accelerate the regenerative agriculture transitionOctober 30, 2024 — What are the challenges in getting farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices? GILLETT: There's now a lot of farms that are working towards being regenerative and that are having higher crop...⁠

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ClimatelinksFilling the Gap: A Framework for Ensuring a Just Energy Transition for ...October 22, 2024 — A “just energy transition” aims to mitigate the socioeconomic impacts on workers, communities, and the environment during the phasing-out of coal and other fossil fuel energy sources in the global shi...⁠

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ClimatelinksJust Energy Transition for Coal Communities: An Actionable Community ...October 15, 2024 — A “just transition” aims to mitigate the socioeconomic impacts on workers, communities, and the environment during the phasing-out of coal power plants and other fossil fuel energy sources in the glob...⁠

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Food and Land Use CoalitionFuture Fit Food and Agriculture - Food and Land Use CoalitionMarch 26, 2024 — “With a 75% share in global food system emissions, companies can and must play a major role in the battle against climate change. To deliver on net-zero, the food sector should radically rethink how i...⁠

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www.cognizant.comMoving to regenerative agriculture with data and technology - CognizantFebruary 9, 2024 — The technology has helped Spanish farmers increase the accuracy of irrigation from 48% to 93% in just two years. Regenerative agriculture: a resilient and secure food supply chain. The transition to a...⁠

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WSJHow Danone is Building a More Sustainable and Resilient Supply ChainDecember 8, 2023 — The United Nations (UN) has warned that global food supplies face severe threats from climate change including rising temperatures, more frequent droughts and heatwaves, and increased risks of natural...⁠

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World Economic ForumHow technology is helping solve farming's biggest issues | World ...November 9, 2023 — A whopping 14.5% of global emissions come from the animal agriculture industry, with 65% of these emissions attributed to beef and dairy cattle.Investors are now seeing this as an opportunity to focus...⁠

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CRS ReportsFederal Economic Assistance for Coal Communities - CRS ReportsNovember 8, 2023 — Federal Economic Assistance for Coal Communities Changes in energy production and markets broadly—and the coal industry in particular—have impacted the economic well-being of communities and workers....⁠

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McKinsey & CompanyAgtech: Breaking down the farmer adoption dilemma | McKinseyFebruary 7, 2023 — Meanwhile, external capital has been pouring into the upstream agriculture food-technology industry to the tune of about $18.2 billion in 2021, an approximate 38 percent year-on-year growth since 2013...⁠

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Forbes10 Digital Technologies That Are Transforming Agriculture - ForbesApril 26, 2022 — It's even clearer in times of disrupted supply chains (e.g., Covid-19) or in regions of the world with their own distribution challenges (e.g., Africa). 3-D printing on the farm and in the food ...⁠

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Resources for the FutureThe Role of Public Benefits in Supporting Workers and Communities ...November 12, 2020 — Public benefits programs have received limited treatment within the literature on fairness for workers and communities dependent on fossil fuels, but because the economic impacts of an energy transiti...⁠

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McKinsey & CompanyAgriculture trends disrupting the food value chain | McKinseyMay 11, 2020 — Developments in climate change, trade wars, new technologies, and consumer choices could lead to a revolution in the way we eat, produce, source, and trade food. These potential disruptions to the foo...⁠

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McKinsey & Company⁠

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The agricultural transition: Building a sustainable futureThe findings in this report can guide food and agriculture organizations as they transition to increased sustainability. Each intervention should be tailored to its specific context, but broadly speak...⁠

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McKinsey & Company⁠

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Agtech: Breaking down the farmer adoption dilemma - McKinsey & Companyinto the upstream agriculture food-technology industry to the tune of about $18.2 billion in 2021, an approximate 38 percent year-on-year growth since 2013.² This influx of capital has brought with it...⁠

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Journal of Science Policy & Governance⁠

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The Crisis of US Coal Communities: Strategies for a Just Transition to ...These options, alongside suggested federal funding for direct community aid, work cohesively to provide a lasting source of economic stability, improve environmental and public health in former coal-d...⁠

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State of Michigan | Michigan.gov⁠

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Community & Worker Economic Transition Office Handouthandful of communities with around 2,000 workers. Michigan’s Economic Transition Office has a mandate to address shifts to renewable energy in both the utility and auto sectors, making up more than 20...⁠

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Agribusiness ReviewTransitioning to Sustainable Agriculture in the Fourth Industrial...Agriculture accounts for less than 5 percent of the global economy but is responsible for more than 25 percent of employment. The sector faces a triple challenge of feeding the growing population, pro...⁠

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IISD⁠

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Real People, Real Change Strategies for Just Energy TransitionsAnalyzing the impacts of an energy transition—especially on jobs and economic development—by projecting both positive and negative impacts will be key to addressing them. For example, Ukraine is plann...⁠

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Environmental and Energy Study Institute⁠

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How Coal Country Can Adapt to the Energy Transition - EESIFederal Transition Programs Although the Trump Administration has sought to slow the transition, employment in the coal industry continues to decline.32 The following are federal programs that could p...⁠

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ResearchGate⁠

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WORKING PAPER Just transitions in the oil and gas sector ...range of stakeholders, develop inclusive plans for transition assistance to dislocated workers and affected communities, and strengthen social safety nets to assist vulnerable workers and communities.⁠

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Alternative protein companies can effectively support communities impacted by industry transitions through collaboration with local governments, non-profits, and other businesses. Key strategies include:

1. Public-Private Partnerships

Collaborative efforts between alternative protein companies and government entities can drive innovation and provide financial support for affected communities. For instance, the U.S. government has been encouraged to de-risk private investment in alternative proteins through policies such as manufacturing grants, tax credits, loans, and loan guarantees.

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GFI⁠

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2. Government Investment in Research and Development

Public funding for alternative protein research has increased, with governments investing to meet national policy goals, fulfill climate commitments, and create sustainable jobs. This support aids in the development of new industries that can provide employment opportunities for displaced workers.

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GFI⁠

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3. Collaboration with Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profits play a crucial role in advancing the alternative protein sector by promoting plant- and cell-based alternatives to animal products. Organizations like The Good Food Institute advocate for public investment and policy support, facilitating industry growth that benefits local communities.

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Wikipedia⁠

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4. Joint Ventures and Strategic Partnerships

Partnerships between alternative protein companies and traditional food industry players can accelerate the development and distribution of new products. Such collaborations can create new market opportunities and support economic diversification in regions reliant on conventional animal agriculture.

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Future Food Tech Protein⁠

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By engaging in these collaborative efforts, alternative protein companies can contribute to economic resilience and community development, ensuring that the transition to new food technologies is inclusive and beneficial for all stakeholders.

Government Support for Alternative Proteins

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The Good Food InstituteThe reality of securing investment to scale alternative proteinsAugust 30, 2024 — For example, the U.S. government—which has been a transformative source of support for strategically important industries—can de-risk private investment to promote public good by supporting alternative proteins with policies such as manufacturing grants, tax credits, loans, and loan guarantees.⁠

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The Good Food InstituteGovernments around the world remain invested in alternative proteinsJuly 15, 2024 — Only five years ago, public funding for alternative protein R&D was close to zero. Fast forward to 2023 and you see governments around the world investing in alternative proteins for a variety of reasons — to meet national policy goals, make good on their climate commitments, and create good-paying, sustainable jobs to name a few. As of 2023, all-time public support for the alternative ...⁠

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WikipediaThe Good Food InstituteOctober 7, 2024⁠

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Future Food Tech Protein10 Reasons Why Partnerships are Critical to the Alternative Protein ...10 Reasons Why Partnerships are Critical to the Alternative Protein Sector At next month’s Future Food-Tech Alternative Proteins Summit, investors, brands and start-ups will come together to unlock new partnership opportunities and showcase innovation across plant-based, cell-based, and microbial fermentation.⁠

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The Good Food InstituteThree themes that capture our 2024 - The Good Food InstituteDecember 12, 2024 — Before we kick off 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the constellation of people, places, and spaces moving the alternative protein field forward—all thanks to support from our global communit...⁠

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Science|BusinessFunding on the rise for alternative protein researchNovember 12, 2024 — Public and nonprofit funding for research into alternative proteins that have the potential to meet the increasing demand for meat whilst making the food system more sustainable, is growing at pace in...⁠

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The Good Food InstituteGovernments around the world remain invested in alternative proteinsJuly 15, 2024 — Only five years ago, public funding for alternative protein R&D was close to zero. Fast forward to 2023 and you see governments around the world investing in alternative proteins for a variety of reas...⁠

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WIREDPlant-Based Meat Boomed. Here Comes the Bust - WIREDApril 22, 2024 — An annual report from the Good Food Institute, an alternative protein nonprofit, found that dollar sales of plant-based meat and seafood in the US fell by 13 percent over the past two years.⁠

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Food DiveAlternative proteins sector is growing and needs government support ...April 12, 2023 — These three GFI reports build a case aimed at investors, governments, companies and skeptics about why the alternative protein industry is worth their attention and money and offer ways to improve ...⁠

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The Good Food InstituteNew GFI State of the Industry reports highlight untold stories and ...April 11, 2023 — 2022 saw a record number of new companies join the fold, unprecedented government support, and a continued expansion of alternative protein products hitting the market.⁠

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The Breakthrough InstituteYes, Alternative Proteins Really Do Deserve Federal InvestmentMay 13, 2021 — A record-breaking $3.1 billion was invested in alternative proteins — plant-based and cultivated meat — in 2020. However, we and other groups have called for additional government R&D funding. This su...⁠

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The New YorkerCan a Burger Help Solve Climate Change? - The New YorkerSeptember 23, 2019 — Go!” For alternative-protein companies, the first challenge is often producing a protein that’s utterly tasteless. A flavor packet can then make it delicious.⁠

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The Good Food InstituteThe State of Global Policy on Alternative ProteinsOur annual State of Global Policy Report tracks public investment in alternative proteins and showcases the actions governments took to position themselves as leaders in the field.⁠

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