“There are all the things where they feed them different food, like there’s this one compound that gives you a 20% reduction [in methane emissions]. But sadly, those bacteria [in their digestive system that produce methane] are a necessary part of breaking down the grass. And so I don’t know if there’ll be some natural approach there. I’m afraid the synthetic [protein alternatives like plant-based burgers] will be required for at least the beef thing.”
Moreover, Gates praised companies involved in the plant-based beef industry. The billionaire and software developer said that companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have a “quality road map and a cost road map that makes them totally competitive.”
For instance, Impossible Foods makes synthetic beef-based burgers. The company provides genetically modified meats to the market as an alternative. Unlike other real meat, Impossible Foods sells artificial meat for 20% cheaper than real meat in stores. Meanwhile, Beyond Meat, a rival to Impossible Foods also sells its plant-based meat to over 2,400 Walmart stores.
