Integrating cultivated beef into conventional beef production systems: Food system models for just transition

Abstract

As global attention shifts toward sustainable protein sources, there is growing interest in how cultivated beef can complement existing livestock systems. This study explores pathways for integrating cultivated beef into existing beef production systems through inclusive and sustainable food system models. Focusing on the United States (feedlot-based systems) and France (extensive grazing systems), the research draws on 40 semi-structured interviews, which were conducted with beef producers, cultivated beef stakeholders, and food system experts, along with the analysis of policy and industry reports. A transition-oriented, responsive, and sustainable food system model framework was developed. Four country-specific models are designed to reflect producer realities, market conditions, and policy environments: the feedlot-cultivated beef hybrid co-production model (USA), the feedlot-to-bioreactor transition co-operative (USA), the pasture-based co-production model (France), and the regional biofood innovation clusters (France). These models emphasise risk mitigation, equity, and participatory inclusion, and offer strategic options for beef producers, policymakers, and cultivated beef firms. The findings highlight the importance of enabling policy, consumer awareness, infrastructure adaptation, effective communication, and justice-oriented assessment criteria to ensure a just transition in the protein sector, including producer participation, fair benefit-sharing, livelihood protection, cultural recognition, and access to transition support. This study contributes to food system transformation research by proposing food system models that integrate cultivated beef innovation into broader strategies of resilience and sustainability.