The political economy of cellular agriculture

This chapter provides a general overview of the political economy of cellular agriculture at present, with an eye toward future implications of the technology. The study of political economy examines the historical, social, and political contexts that shape economic activity. A wide range of government interventions and political considerations have been central to forging contemporary food systems. A political-economic approach allows for an exploration of how and why particular paths were chosen over others, including who benefited and who was disadvantaged by these choices. This approach can be applied to the emerging field of cellular agriculture by documenting how the emergence of the industry is driven and constrained by the interplay of nongovernmental organizations, start-ups, government agencies and regulators, and incumbent food industry actors. It concludes with considerations—including questions of policy, regulation, and competition—about the development of cultivated meat technology and the industry as a whole.