Genetically Modified Seeds As a Key Growth Driver. Fifth Argument: High Demand of Vegetable Protein in Developed Countries

 Fifth Argument: Consumption of Vegetable Protein in Developed Countries

A growing interest and greater awareness for a healthier life, as well as a sedentary lifestyle and the defence of animal life, has led an increasingly large part of society to give up the consumption of meat without wanting to suffer from protein deficiencies and therefore to look for them in plant sources. Although the process of industrialisation of meat production has led to lower costs, this process has a number of health and environmental consequences that the middle class, given their purchasing power in developed societies, are unwilling to assume. In addition, the sedentary lifestyle of the majority of the middle class requires low cholesterol diets, reducing the consumption of animal protein and increasing instead the protein of vegetable origin. The most protein-rich legumes include soybeans, peanuts and peas. All of them have been long studied and improved by the seed companies. This type of seeds will be the most demanded not only in the direct purchase as edamame, tofu or soy milk, but also because other companies dedicated to the elaboration of meat substitutes of vegetable origin will increase the demand for seeds such as soybeans  to make for example vegetarian hamburgers, which will become more and more popular. 

It is therefore clear that the future of meat consumption is in question and that the demand for protein  will need to be met in a way that is more respectful of and balanced with the environment and health. Therefore, the seed companies that first respond to the new nutritionist tendencies will be those that benefit and will consolidate in the market as a source of continuous growth for the shareholders.