Background
The project addressed the growing societal and environmental debate surrounding cultured meat and its potential to revolutionize the food industry. While cultured meat promises to reduce the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming, it also raises ethical, economic, and political concerns. This project focused on assessing the implications of cultured meat for policymakers and stakeholders, aiming to provide insights that would guide the future of food technology and its regulation.
My approach
I approached the problem by conducting a technology assessment of cultured meat, exploring its potential impacts across ethical, economic, social, and environmental dimensions. I used a combination of academic research and stakeholder interviews to gather a comprehensive understanding of the subject. I prepared a policy memo for the Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee, framing the key issues and implications. Design played a role in organizing the research and structuring the final report and presentation in a clear and persuasive manner, and I interviewed a rural meat producer and a potential consumer of cultured meat, providing real-world perspectives on the potential disruptions this meat could bring to traditional food systems.
Challenges & Solutions
One challenge I faced was broadening the scope of the TA beyond academic literature to capture real-world stakeholder perspectives. By interviewing both a rural meat producer and a potential consumer of cultured meat, I was able to incorporate diverse viewpoints that enriched the analysis. Another challenge was synthesizing the various ethical, social, and political considerations into cohesive policy recommendations. I overcame this by first drafting the policy memo to clarify and prioritize the most pressing issues for policymakers, then expanding upon it to comprise the full report.
Impact & results
The project provided valuable insights into the complex landscape of cultured meat, offering a policy framework for addressing its potential impacts. Through qualitative research and stakeholder interviews, I presented a balanced perspective on the cultural and economic shifts that cultured meat could bring. The final report and presentation contributed to broader discussions on how technology assessments can inform evidence-based regulation for emerging food technologies.
Reflections
Through this project, I learned the importance of integrating diverse stakeholder perspectives into technology assessments, particularly when addressing disruptive technologies like cultured meat. It highlighted how technology can influence social and environmental systems, and I now have a greater appreciation for the role of policymaking in guiding technological advancement. Moving forward, I plan to apply these insights to future projects, ensuring that technological developments are assessed through both human and environmental lenses.
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Bob Cook-Deegan for his guidance throughout this project and various peers for their valuable feedback. I’m also grateful to the stakeholders I interviewed whose perspectives greatly enriched my understanding of the complex issues surrounding cultured meat.