Addressing Plant-Based Labeling Restrictions and Bans Across the Globe

General Information

The Plant Based Foods Institute is a US-based 501c3 non-profit organization focused on identifying and implementing strategies to help businesses drive a shift to a plant-based food system. The Institute believes that businesses are key drivers of food system transformation. We are a sister organization to the Plant Based Foods Association. 

Our mission is to drive transformation to a plant-based food system that benefits people, the planet, and animals. PBFI will incubate, employ, and evaluate impact of strategies for businesses and those across the food system, while advocating for systems change

The Plant Based Foods Institute champions and advises the work of the International Plant Based Foods Working Group (IPBFWG)  through its own dedicated international initiatives and a re-granting program that supports the resourcing of the group’s key global priorities. The IPBFWG is comprised of the Plant Based Foods Association, Plant-Based Foods of Canada, European Alliance for Plant Based Foods, European Plant-based Foods Association, Plant-Based Food Alliance UK, the Plant Based Foods Industry Association (India), the Mexican Association of Vegan Entrepreneurs, Plant Based Food Association of Türkiye (BİTKİDEN), and China Plant Based Foods Association.

The Challenge 

Plant-based foods play a crucial role in addressing the climate crisis and promoting economic growth. Research data shows that animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Plant-based diets can help address these imbalances in resource usage. With the world's population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, relying on animal agriculture is unsustainable and that plant-based food production can help feed a larger population. Growing food directly for human consumption rather than as animal feed or biofuel can increase food calorie availability, potentially feeding an additional 4 billion people. Plant-based food production presents a lower risk of pandemics, antibiotic resistance, and public health issues compared to animal agriculture. Factory farming causes immense suffering to animals, and transitioning to plant-based foods can reduce this suffering. Plant-based food options are improving in taste and variety, making it easier for people to transition from animal-based foods.

Several countries have applied restrictions to the labeling and marketing of plant-based foods. Some governments and policy makers recently imposed stringent labeling regulations that restrict the use of common language or meaty names for plant-based foods. These restrictions are counter-productive and may hinder the growth of the plant-based food industry.  In the past few months countries such as  South Africa, France and Turkey have imposed bans for plant based foods labeling. Further restrictions are being considered in Belgium, Italy, the UK and United States. We believe that plant-based foods are an essential component of addressing environmental, economic, and public health challenges and that such restrictions are misguided.

Funding 

Funding is available for one year, after notification of approval.  The PBFI will award grants (2 grants for $50 0000, 3 grants of $25,000 each, and 5 grants of $5000 each respectively for one year. While we aim to fund many high-quality proposals, grants are limited and, unfortunately, not all applications will be awarded. In all cases, grant selection will be approved by the PBFI Board of Directors.

The 6 grants are expected to be divided as:

• 2 $50,000 grant addressing labeling restrictions and labeling bans at regional level.

• 3 $25,000 grants addressing labeling restrictions at country or state level.

• 3 $15,000 grants for advocacy, capacity building, training for challenging labeling restrictions and bans for plant based foods. 

Eligibility

Any trade organization /researcher affiliated with a research institution or organization (public or private) that has the facilities to deliver results and that demonstrates the expertise to perform plant based food advocacy and nutrition research is eligible to apply.  Both US and international organizations and researchers are eligible to apply.

Preference will be given to Fields of work related to Plant Based Foods, Alternative Plant Based Proteins and Animal Welfare.  Preference will be given to nonprofit, trade association, trade organizations, academia, incubator programs, advocacy groups focused on advancing the interests of plant-based foods. 

Funding uses: Project / Program, Training / Capacity Building

Location of project: Global

Location of project Preferred: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, EU, Turkey, UK, India, Australia, New Zealand, North America and South Africa.

We invite you to submit your interest for applying for the grant which will be reviewed by the Plant Based Foods Institute (PBFI). 

Proposal Requirements

Times New Roman Font size: 12, single-spaced Margin: 1” top, bottom, left, right    

Proposals must be submitted in English. American English format. Page 2 of 4  Proposals must not exceed 5 pages, including a brief vitae and references. 

The template for proposal applications can be accessed here. Please submit completed applications to grants@plantbasedfoods.org by December 1, 2023.

In most cases, major capital items of equipment will not be funded. 

• Summary (separate line items for salary & benefits, supplies, outside services, travel) 

• Budget Explanation and Justification (for each budgetary line item) 

• Other funding that supports the proposed research (Source & nature of support) 

• PBFI funds must not be used to pay overhead costs.  “Overhead costs” are defined as ongoing operating expenses that include, but are not limited to, insurance, telephone bills, the purchase of facilities and utility costs.  In the event of any disagreement regarding whether a particular cost or expense is an “overhead cost,” the determination by PBFI shall be final.

We support organizations and individuals that:

• Work towards reducing  the global consumption of animals 

• Aim to reduce or eliminate demand or consumption of animal products

• Only conduct work around diet-change, food systems change, and/or plant-based foods and do not conduct animal welfare activities, community projects, or Are outside the United States and/or are not an international chapter of US-based organizations

• Lobbying for more plant-forward policies

• Challenge based campaigns