Policy Brief: How Should California Lead on Alternative Meat?

California is a leader in food production and export, both to other states in the country and to countries around the world. Its animal-based food exports are heavily concentrated in dairy products and much less so in beef, poultry, and egg products. At the same time, the state is a national and global leader in production of high-margin plant-based foods such as almonds, walnuts, and avocados. With mounting concerns about climate change risk and water scarcity, California has the opportunity to take an early lead in alternative meat research, development, and commercialization.