The French government will reportedly provide EUR 8.3 million (~USD 8.8 million) for the five-year project entitled AlineOVeg “Innovating in plant-based food.” This project, which is backed by a budget of EUR 11.4 million (~USD 12.1 million), is supported by France, as part of France 2030 actions coordinated by Bpifrance.

The project will focus on the provision and development of new solutions and products, including pea and fava bean varieties, alternative protein ingredients, and plant-based alternatives to dairy products, with the ultimate goal of creating and strengthening a sustainable food sector in France.

The project is slated to include collaborations from big industry players such as Roquette, Eurial, Greencell, and Agri Obtentions, as well as academic partners, including France’s National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), and social science university, Université Lumière Lyon 2.

Analyst QuickTake: In July 2022, France put forth a decree banning the use of sector-specific terminologies , such as “steak” and “sausage,” to describe plant-based meats, which was later suspended after careful consideration of its legality by The French Conseil d’État. The overturning of this decree and the government’s current support towards the plant-based industry have created a favorable environment for players in France, as well as those companies potentially focusing on French markets.