Assumptions

A - Assumptions on Sustainable Protein Overall

1. The production of Sustainable Protein is of paramount interest globally.  For much of the agriculture sector, it is now a driving objective and an important trend that will continue to advance in significant ways.
2. Global demand for protein will continue to increase, including animal protein.
3. Sustainability is becoming a necessity from the perspective of market acceptance, and sustainability objectives often diverge
4. Our food systems are multi-dimensional, with producing, processing, distribution and consumption all intertwined. There is a broad spectrum of agricultural practices. Plant and animal production are linked from the field to the plate and through by-product use.
5. Advancing a Sustainable Protein agenda is a priority of many diverse stakeholders who are keen to see innovative solutions emerge towards its achievement. Solutions and beneficiaries will involve both likely and unlikely stakeholders.
6. Due to its complexity, advancing a Sustainable Protein agenda requires strong and inter-disciplinary collaboration among many different groups on actions, potential actions and the interrelationships between them.
7. There is an opportunity for leadership in advancing a Sustainable Protein agenda. Being a leader in Sustainable Protein will require advancing innovative approaches and new agricultural solutions.
8. The intersection of agricultural systems, big data and new technologies to make use of the data allow us to better understand the land, crops and ecosystems, and allow us to act in ways we couldn’t before.
9. As a jurisdiction of global agricultural relevance, Manitoba has many elements in place to become a leader and a hub in advancing various Sustainable Protein approaches.

B - Assumptions on Environmental Impacts and Agro-ecosystems 

1. Agriculture has a significant opportunity to be an environmental solution provider. The agriculture sector can contribute to the solution in addressing the numerous environmental issues of climate change, water quantity and quality, and loss of natural capital (e.g., soils, water, animal and plant life).
2. Addressing climate change is a major driver for action. The Paris Accord, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Food and Agriculture Organization have all identified climate change as a priority.  
3. Soil health across the world is declining.  Soil health and regenerative agriculture practices, including the role that cattle and other livestock can play, are important and growing practices that are closely linked to sustainable agriculture, carbon emission reduction and soil health. 
4. Diversity is critical to maintaining healthy genetic and landscape ecosystems.
5. Strategies for reduction in water and land use are global industry priorities when it comes to agricultural practices. A sustainable agriculture future needs to advance solutions that address these strategies.  
6. Nutrient management is a key component for healthy agro-ecosystems and watersheds.  Nutrients should be applied in a manner that enhances agricultural productivity, while decreasing the risk of loss to the environment.  

C - Assumptions on Protein Types

1. There is a need to continue to produce livestock (e.g., cattle, pigs and poultry) in a sustainable manner, with minimal environmental impact. Demand for product tracing is increasing to ensure quality, safety and legitimacy.  
2. Demand for plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy will continue to expand.
3. The challenge for plant-based protein is to improve sustainability of crop production and processing, and to adapt so it can respond to the fast-growing, plant-based protein demand and market, while also maintaining soil health and landscape diversity.
4. The rise of protein alternatives, from plant-based meat substitutes (look-alikes and taste-alikes) and insect protein to cultured meat, has been driven by technology advancements; the changing nature of western diets towards more of a flexitarian diet; and concerns regarding the sustainability of producing animal protein, given its significant impact on climate change.