Farmless
Farmless uses natural fermentation to turn simple feedstock into tasty, amino-acid complete proteins.
ID: 925431499154-21
Lobbying Activity
Response to European Innovation Act
22 Jul 2025
Farmless brews functional proteins using natural fermentation. Farmless proteins are specifically selected for their nutritional value and taste, produced through a controlled and natural process. This innovative approach offers export opportunities for the European Union and enhances strategic food security across the continent. Our goal is to have a 'first of a kind' brewery operational in the Netherlands by 2027. A dedicated startup oriented (sandbox) regime for novel proteins under the European Food Safety Authority would dramatically accelerate the market introduction of these proteins. About Farmless Farmless produces b2b protein ingredients for the food industry. We are fermenting naturally occurring microorganisms on a renewable liquid feedstock derived from renewable energy. - Our unique fermentation process starts with a liquid made from CO2, hydrogen, nitrogen and renewable energy instead of a standard sugar-based starter derived from agricultural crops. - We have successfully raised 6 million from European venture investors and 1 million from the European Regional Development Fund - Our fermented proteins feature a complete amino acid profile with naturally occurring vitamin B12 and fibers, while being free from allergens and pesticides. - Farmless initially produces these proteins for the B2B ingredients market, with our initial focus on performance protein powders and bars. - Based on 100% natural fermentation. Fermentation is a millennia-old process using microorganisms to enhance food flavor and preservation. Examples include brewing beer or leavening bread. Farmless applies this process to create protein ingredients. - Importantly, the Farmless process is independent from weather extremes and can be produced locally in controlled environments. - Efficiency and strategic independence. Farmless' fermentation process is up to 5000 times more efficient in land use compared to animal proteins. Similar to greenhouse agriculture, this enables Europe to create greater economic value on a much smaller footprint freeing space for housing, nature restoration, water management and more extensive and regenerative farming. Because our platform operates independently of weather and climate conditions, this next-generation protein technology offers strategic food security for the European Union. Natural fermentation can reduce the impact of crop failures, conflicts, pests, and extreme weather events. The European Union is ideally positioned to build out a fermentation-based protein industry, with world leading protein fermentation startups. What we need for European success The current EFSA novel food process is not workable for startups. It is expensive, unpredictable, complex and slow. Regulatory simplification of the Novel Foods procedure is essential to prevent the stagnation (and offshoring) of the natural fermentation industry. Weve identified the following steps to streamline the existing regulatory pathway and facilitate time to market: - Creation of a startup friendly regulatory sandbox for natural fermentation companies. Such a sandbox would allow for: - Product-specific scientific advice; e.g. product-specific scientific discussion on suitability of in-silico and in-vitro studies - Facilitation of confidential discussions between industry, regulators, and university experts Identification of solutions to current hurdles in the authorisation procedure to increase predictability of timeline between submission and approval. E.g. Introduce a threshold in checkpoints during the authorisation process where all questions are raised - Increased capacity at EFSA (more personnel and increased technology-specific knowledge) to improve efficiency in risk assessment processes, for example by seconding national experts to EFSA - More realistic dietary intake assessment Active promotion of in-silico and in-vitro studies (currently only referenced as option
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