USA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a pivotal decision granting Amfora, Inc., a regulatory exemption for its gene-edited, ultra-high protein soybeans.
Amfora only recently announced the launch of its initial commercial offerings—the first generation of the company’s ultra-high plant protein products in February 2024.
The first three products are Amfora Ultra-High Protein Soy flour, Texturized Vegetable Protein and Crisps.
“We chose soy for our commercial entry because it contains one of the most complete complements of essential amino acids among plant proteins and has been a key source of protein in the human diet for centuries,” said Lloyd Kunimoto, CEO of Amfora.
This exemption of its soybeans under 7 CFR Part 340 signifies a significant leap forward for Amfora’s mission to revolutionize sustainable plant-based proteins.
Amfora’s soybeans have undergone genetic modification through CRISPR gene-editing technology, resulting in a remarkable 25% increase in protein content compared to conventional soybeans.
Crucially, this enhancement is achieved without introducing foreign DNA, ensuring that soybeans remain a natural source of high-quality protein.
Lloyd Kunimoto, CEO of Amfora, expressed enthusiasm for the USDA’s decision, emphasizing its potential to expedite the commercialization and scalability of its protein-rich crops.
Kunimoto highlighted the broader implications, noting how Amfora’s innovation could meet the surging demand for plant-based proteins and contribute significantly to addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.
The timing of this regulatory exemption couldn’t be more opportune. With growing awareness of the environmental impacts associated with traditional animal protein production, there’s an escalating need for sustainable alternatives.
Amfora’s soybeans represent a promising solution, offering a potent protein source for meat substitutes, aquaculture feeds, and potential environmental benefits by reducing reliance on fertilizers and other inputs.
Moreover, this milestone sets the stage for Amfora to extend its groundbreaking technology to other crops, including peas, legumes, rice, and wheat. Anticipating similar regulatory support for these developments, the company is poised to diversify further and enhance the global supply of sustainable protein sources.
“Our products are as close to ‘nature’ as one can get,” said Tony DeLio, Executive Vice President of Amfora. “We have completed applications testing and have developed a number of recipes and product prototypes that demonstrate the benefits of our ultra-high products.”
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