ASB's GM for Rural Business Richard Hegan. Photo / Supplied
Alternative proteins have been making the headlines recently, with some suggesting they pose a threat to New Zealand's agricultural sector.
ASB's GM for Rural Business Richard Hegan spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay, saying he sees potential rather than danger when it comes to plant-based proteins.
"I firmly believe there's
an opportunity for both existing pastoral production and also alternative proteins to flourish in New Zealand."
Hegan says the challenge will be to work out how these two products can co-exist to ensure the future success of New Zealand.
The "clean food industry" has some high profile supporters including Bill Gates and Sir Richard Branson, who believes plant-based meat will become the norm in the near future. Mackay asks Hegan whether the agricultural sector should be concerned about such endorsement.
