July 2024 -
A Herd of Bioreactors: RESPECTfarms Transforms Beef Farming, together with Dutch agricultural bank Rabobank
Rethinking Business Models for Beef Farmers
The concept of producing meat without slaughtering animals on a farm seems far-fetched. Today, RESPECTfarms is moving forward innovativing the cultivated meat industry, backed by a €25,000 grant from the Rabo Impact Fund.
Cultivated meat is created by growing animal stem cells in a bioreactor, where they are nurtured with nutrients until they develop into meat. Ralf Becks, co-founder at RESPECTfarms, sees this as a game-changer: “It allows for meat production at a lower cost and carbon footprint compared to traditional methods, which require vast resources—land, water, and feed. Plus, since it’s an artificial process, it produces zero manure pollution.”
Empowering Farmers
RESPECTfarms is focused on helping beef farmers transition to this new model. By keeping just a few cows for stem cell harvesting, farmers can produce meat more efficiently and profitably. RESPECTfarms envisions a network of smaller bioreactors that can operate year-round, utilizing existing resources like skilled labor and renewable energy.
Overcoming Skepticism
With plans to open a test farm in 2025, RESPECTfarms faces skepticism, with 90% of surveyed farmers dismissing the concept. RESPECTfarms believes in engaging with the 10% who are open to innovation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Support from the Rabo Impact Fund
The Rabo Impact Fund plays a crucial role in this initiative, supporting high-potential projects that can’t yet secure traditional funding. Carlo Verhart from the fund highlights RESPECTfarms’ unique approach of directly involving farmers in the cultivated meat process.
A Vision for the Future
The mission is clear: to create a sustainable future for beef farmers through innovative, responsible meat production. With the goal of helping farmers globally transition to cell-based meat, RESPECTfarms help to lead the protein revolution.
Learn More
For more information about RESPECTfarms, contact info@respectfarms.com or check out their promotional film here.