Changing the way we produce and consume food is no longer just a matter of individual choices. It represents one of the great environmental, economic and social challenges of our time, as the climate crisis accelerates and the intensive farming system continues to weigh on the environment and inflict suffering on millions of animals, forced to live in conditions that seriously compromise their well-being.
And in this urgent and necessary transformation, plant proteins and the plant-based sector play a crucial role. A transformation which, however, cannot be entrusted exclusively to the habits of those who shop. We need research, investments, solid production chains and public policies capable of accompanying companies. And it is precisely on this ground that the meeting “The future of plant-based in Italy – Companies and institutions in comparison” takes place, promoted by RIPA – Italian Alternative Protein Network, a reality that brings together organizations and companies committed to promoting the transition towards a more sustainable and innovative food system. The appointment is scheduled for Friday 13 November 2026, from 10 to 12, in the ISMA Room of the Senate of the Republic, in Rome.
@RIPA
Plant-based is not just a food choice: its future is being discussed in the Senate
The objective of the initiative “The future of plant-based in Italy” is to open a discussion between politics, the productive world and experts on the development prospects of the alternative protein sector, focusing on three issues: competitiveness, innovation and support policies. The vegetable protein sector, in fact, does not only concern alternative products to meat or dairy products that we find on supermarket shelves. It involves agriculture, food processing, technological research and new entrepreneurial opportunities, with possible repercussions also on Italy’s ability to compete in an evolving market. Yet, for these opportunities to translate into concrete development, it is necessary to address the obstacles that businesses face, from seeking funding to the need to support innovation and make quality, sustainable products to a wider audience.
The works will be opened by Sergio Costa, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies and former Minister of the Environment. The meeting, introduced by RIPA co-founder Claudio Pomo, will be moderated by the director of greenMe Simona Falasca, journalist specialized in environmental sustainability, nutrition
and agri-food systems.
Part of the initiative will be dedicated to European experiences, to understand which tools and strategies can contribute to the growth of the vegetable protein sector. Emil Moselund of the Danish Vegetarian Association, Floris de Graad – director of Vegetariërsbond – and Ilaria Bertini of GFI Europe will speak, bringing together perspectives and initiatives developed at an international level.
The debate will then get to the heart of the challenges faced by Italian companies, through the voices of Luca Dellabianca of La Sanfermese and Marta Residori of Planted, who will delve into the market opportunities and obstacles to the development of the sector. Finally, there will also be space for political-institutional discussion, with interventions by Gisella Naturale (5 Star Movement), Benedetto Della Vedova (+Europa) and Luana Zanella (Green and Left Alliance).
