Cellular agriculture represents a transformative approach to food production, utilizing cell cultures to create a diverse range of food products. With the global population projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, estimates indicate that overall food production may need to increase by approximately 70?tween 2005/07 and 2050. However, conventional agricultural practices face significant limitations due to finite natural resources, making it essential to explore innovative solutions. Cellular agriculture has emerged as a promising avenue, integrating entrepreneurial ventures to develop solutions to pressing climate challenges. This approach could not only diversify the global economy but also enhance food security through advanced production methods. This emerging technology combines methodologies from biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences with food production processes, introducing various technological hurdles that must be overcome to fully unlock its potential. This presentation will explore the main cellular agriculture processes implemented to date, identifying the technical challenges and potential opportunities associated with them. Furthermore, we will examine the current global landscape of the cellular agriculture sector, focusing on Canada’s position. We will investigate how these innovative technologies can improve nutritional outcomes, aligning food production with the needs of a growing population while addressing sustainability concerns.
Dr. Yadira Tejeda Saldana is a Food Scientist with over ten years of diverse experience spanning academia, the food industry, and not-for-profit organizations. Currently, she is the Canadian Responsible Research and Innovation Director at New Harvest, where she has been instrumental in advancing cellular agriculture and building a collaborative ecosystem throughout Canada. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Tejeda Saldana co-founded Cellular Agriculture Canada, the first nonprofit dedicated to connecting key stakeholders in the field. Recently, she played a pivotal role in launching the inaugural federally funded cellular agriculture consortium in the Prairies. Her significant contributions to the discipline are evident in peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and advisory roles on both national and international boards. She has also worked as a technical reviewer for several important reports on cellular agriculture, including a publication by the FAO focusing on the food safety aspects of cell-based products. Dr. Tejeda Saldana holds a PhD in Pathology from Western University, an MSc in Food Safety from Wageningen University in The Netherlands, and a BSc in Food Chemistry from La Salle University in Mexico. Her passion lies in food safety, food policy, and understanding the social implications of cellular agriculture technologies. Above all, she is dedicated to ensuring that cellular agriculture fulfills its promise by embracing responsible innovation practices.