Brazil is making significant strides in the development of lab-grown meat through advanced 3D printing technology. At the SENAI CIMATEC facility in Salvador, the CELLMEAT 3D project has successfully biopsied animal cells, cultivated them in laboratories, and utilized 3D printing to produce meat products. This innovative approach has earned the project the prestigious 2025 Finep Northeast Innovation Award, indicating a potential shift away from traditional meat slaughtering practices.
The core of the CELLMEAT 3D technology involves harvesting cells through a biopsy process that does not harm the animals. These cells are then placed in bioreactors where they proliferate and differentiate into muscle and fat tissues. The use of 3D bioprinting allows for the creation of complex structures that closely mimic the texture and flavor of natural meat. After printing, a maturation phase enhances the taste and texture, enabling nutritional adjustments, such as reducing saturated fats or incorporating additional vitamins. Estimates suggest that this method could reduce resource usage by up to 90 percent compared to conventional meat production.
Recent advancements in the project also include the exploration of non-animal scaffolds, which improve the structural integrity of the printed meat. According to Brasil 61, the CELLMEAT 3D project aims to produce protein without the need for animal slaughter, addressing the growing global demand for sustainable protein sources. This shift is particularly crucial as pressures on land and water resources increase.
Brazil’s commitment to this innovation is reflected in targeted funding for cultivated meat initiatives. The Araucária Foundation in Paraná has allocated approximately £0.8 million ($1.0 million)—equivalent to R$5.7 million—to establish laboratories and train researchers in cellular agriculture, focusing on local cattle breeds, such as Purunã. Carla Molento, a researcher at the Federal University of Paraná, emphasized the importance of treating cellular zootechnics and cultivated meat production as integral to agriculture, aiming to bolster the livestock industry.
In addition to government support, private sector partnerships are forming. Companies like BRF are collaborating with Aleph Farms to co-develop products tailored for local markets. Federal funding also plays a role, with £0.3 million ($0.4 million) provided by Embrapa for hybrid innovations in cultivated meat.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The high production costs, largely due to pharmaceutical inputs, pose significant barriers to affordability. Regulatory progress is on the horizon, as the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) is set to release a resolution in 2024, although the specifics regarding lab-grown meat remain unclear. Consumer education will be essential to promote the ethical and sustainable benefits of these products.
As Brazil ventures deeper into this emerging sector, the cultivated meat market is projected to reach around £3.9 million ($5.14 million) by 2025. This estimate reflects ongoing research and investments rather than widespread commercial activity at this stage.
International collaborations are also crucial for navigating the complexities of this evolving industry. The development of 3D-printed meat in Brazil signifies a pivotal evolution in food production, with the potential to complement existing agricultural practices. Ongoing research and funding indicate a commitment to eco-friendly alternatives, shaping a future with reduced reliance on traditional meat production methods.
State-owned Embrapa has also made progress, developing prototypes for cultivated chicken, including structured breast fillets using domestic cell lines. They have established a cellular biobank to provide stable cell lines for industry startups. Working alongside the Good Food Institute Brazil and Unicamp, a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) safety plan for cultivated products, such as burgers, has been developed to support evaluations by Anvisa and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (Mapa).
As these innovations unfold, Brazil’s advancements in lab-grown meat hold the promise of transforming the food landscape, offering sustainable solutions to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding global population.
