So this past months have been more than hectic filled with presentations and numerous papers to do. Which didn’t give me the time to find a local professor to interview to discuss on the concept of 3D printing meat. However I was able to find a video presented, by New America Foundation which featured three professionals who discussed on different topics referring to consumers increase on meat consumption, how this harms our environment, how technology is being used by farmers to become more environmental friendly and what other alternatives do we have to reduce our meat consumption. The panelist consisted of Dr. Gabor Forgacs, founder of Modern Meadow and forefront on 3D printing, Graham Meritwether director, cinematographer and producer of “America Meat and Leave it Better.” And Dawn Moncrief Founder and Executive Director of A Well Fed World Moderator.
So the interview began by discussing how meat consumption is increasing worldwide. Dawn Moncrief requests consumers to reduce their meat consumption, since we are decreasing cattle and natural resources.Dr. Gabor Forgacs thinks that although the idea to reduce meat is an acceptable statement to promote. He believes this statement is wishful thinking, he believes the request is noble however people are not going to reduce eating meat. He begins discussing his search of engineer meat. Which will drastically reduce of use of animals to obtain our meat products; it will also stop animal cruelty and has the possibility to supply the high demands of meat, as estimated for the next 50 years. He also explains that people need to change the way they perceive 3D meat. He stated that 3D meat should be looked as the same purpose as flour, flour is used as a main ingredient to make cookie, cupcakes, cakes etc. 3D meat has the same usage, it can be used as an ingredient to prepare many dishes. He mentions that the pork chop that he ate in the TEDMED presentation had a mutual taste and feel as the actual meat. The fact that he is still alive, Dr. Forgacs states that as 3D meat process it will benefit and change that way we consume meat and gain our proteins.
Graham Meritwether comments that agriculture is changing as well and younger generations are getting more involved in how we get out food. He mentions that farmers are using current technology to make their job more efficient as well, as protecting the environment. The overall discussion wasn’t very long is only 46 minutes, in this post I have post the highlight of the interview. For the full interview please click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Vwa2VT2uU
For those in search for a more healthier option to eat check out this website: Awfw.org