Leaf Protein
Leaf Protein
New Zealand's pastoral landscapes, abundant in protein-rich crops like lucerne (alfalfa), perennial ryegrass, and brassica rape, present a unique opportunity to diversify our protein sources. Historically, extracting high yields of protein from plant leaves has been challenging. However, recent advancements by Plant & Food Research have developed innovative processes to recover a broader spectrum of proteins from these crops, surpassing traditional methods that targeted only a single protein type.
Collaborating with Plant & Food Research and supported by Silver Fern Farms during Phase 1, our Cheltenham Downs farm serves as the pilot site for this groundbreaking initiative. The project focuses on extracting protein-rich juice from lucerne, aiming to refine processing methods to improve yield while maintaining functionality suitable for various food applications. This approach not only offers a new avenue for plant-based protein production but also addresses environmental concerns by potentially reducing nitrogen leaching into waterways, a common issue with traditional livestock farming.
The "Protein from Pasture" project aspires to establish a scalable, sustainable plant protein industry in New Zealand, targeting a contribution of over $1 billion to the economy. By leveraging existing dairy processing technologies, the project aims to create a dual protein system that integrates livestock and plant protein production. This initiative aligns with New Zealand's goal of doubling exports and positions the country as a leader in sustainable agriculture and plant-based food production.
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Collaborating with Plant & Food Research and supported by Silver Fern Farms during Phase 1, our Cheltenham Downs farm serves as the pilot site for this groundbreaking initiative.