Our Meeting April 11th 2023

He then proceeded to our Guest Speaker, calling on Geoff Breust for his introduction.

 

Scientist Tom Torento came to us via video link. This was set up by PP Paul Murray who, using his phone as a hotspot was able to bring our guest into the room, with great clarity and sound.

Tom is working with  research company, Vow, based in the United States that is developing artificial meat products.

You will remember the Mammoth Meat Balls in the news recently. They are part of the programme, but a gimmick rather than economic reality

There were some interesting and disturbing statistics that came forward. Agriculture takes nearly 40% of habitable land on earth, and with it 30% of fresh water, and of course 40% of emissions. Agriculture could take all the available potable water by the year 2060!! All of this as demand for meat protein triples over the next 30 years.

Tom, who is a local Riverina man with multiple academic achievements in science and engineering, became fascinated by the possibilities offered when he began developing vitamins from seaweed and algae.

He doesn't see his Cultured Meat as a direct competitor to natural herds at the moment. Currently this CM is only available commercially in Singapore at immense price differentials, and feels it will take years to bring the price anywhere near $10 per kilo, comparable with current prices.

Tom however sees a great future for this process in Australia, as we have the right resources in abundance..animal stocks, fermentation ingredients and sunshine. All of this provides the biopsy needed, the amino acids and other chemistry essentials, and unlimited power.

There were some thoughtful questions from the floor.

Taste? Depends on the inputs. Can we culture organ such as livers? Not on the horizon at the moment. Animal Stock choice? The problem is one of animal ethics at the moment. Business Opportunities? Will be vast but there are still ethical roadblocks.

 

A very successful presentation, warmly applauded by all members.

 

At this point, President Phil called on Robert Shaw for a brief input. A very enthusiastic Robert told us of his aims to get clubs going. He sees retention as the main issue, not so much attracting members but keeping them. Using technology to get speakers such as today is one method, even targeting and matching speakers with prospective members. Perhaps we could just invite people to a service project, rather than a meeting. All good ideas. It should be an interesting year.

 

PP David Pyke called on members who were attending Lillier Lodge this week. Doug Sutton is out of action at the moment and he is taking the role of coordinator.

 

The Photo Competition is proceding steadily at the moment. We have around 55 entries paid with an anticipated rush as the school holidays end.