The Cipromed project, with a total budget of €4.7 million, is bridging the gap between science and practical application, enabling consumers to source protein from microalgae and insects while helping producers reduce costs and enhance competitiveness.

Presented on Friday, the initiative creates new opportunities for producers, farmers, and businesses, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said during the event. She highlighted Cipromed as an exemplary project, co-funded by the European Prima programme, demonstrating how science and innovation can provide solutions to contemporary challenges.

Bringing together leading research institutions, businesses, and NGOs from across the Mediterranean, Cipromed focuses on leveraging alternative proteins like microalgae and insects. These alternatives address critical challenges faced by producers, including the high cost of animal feed, market pressures, and the growing need for sustainable practices.

Minister Panayiotou explained that the production of alternative proteins reduces reliance on imports and strengthens the resilience of agrifood systems, offering solutions that protect the environment while boosting productivity.

“Through initiatives that advance agrotechnology, promote the use of alternative energy sources, and protect biodiversity, we are investing in a resilient and sustainable primary sector capable of supporting our economy and addressing today’s challenges,” she said.

The circular economy, she added, requires a reevaluation of existing processes. The development of sustainable food systems is now a European priority, and the EU has embraced innovations allowing the use of microalgae and insect proteins for both human and animal consumption.

“Adopting innovative solutions like those promoted by Cipromed requires collective effort. Consumers can incorporate these proteins into their diets, while producers can use them as animal feed, enhancing their viability and competitiveness,” Panayiotou said.

The event, held as part of the Cipromed project, was organised by RTD Talos Ltd.