Alternative Proteins, Climate Policy, and Competition Bottlenecks

Thu, Jun 04, 2026 | 11:00 am ET

On Thursday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. ET, The Capitol Forum will host a conference call with Andy Fitch and Cynthia Hanawalt of Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law to discuss their recent study, “From Tech to Table: Moving Sustainable Proteins Beyond Marketplace Bottlenecks.”

This timely discussion will examine how competition policy can help shape the growth of the emerging alternative proteins industry. Drawing on their study, Fitch and Hanawalt will discuss how market concentration, supply chain chokepoints, intellectual property strategies, and regulatory barriers could affect the development of plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-derived proteins.

For assistance, contact: events@tcfpress.com.

We will also touch on topics such as:

  • How vertical and horizontal consolidation could slow the growth of the alternative proteins market
  • The role of patent thickets and intellectual property strategies in shaping innovation, with parallels to the pharmaceutical industry
  • The so-called “Valley of Death” of supply chain and infrastructure bottlenecks that startups face
  • The benefits of closer alignment between climate policy and competition policy analysis
  • What policymakers, investors, and market participants should watch as the alternative proteins sector develops

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a timely and thought-provoking conversation.

Speakers:

Andy Fitch

Andy Fitch is a Climate and Business Law Fellow at Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. His work focuses on the intersection of climate policy, business law, and market structure. He previously worked at the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division.

Cynthia Hanawalt

Cynthia Hanawalt is Director of Climate and Business Law at Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. Her work focuses on legal and regulatory strategies to address climate-related risks, including the role of business, finance, and market governance in advancing climate policy.

Your Host Teddy Downey

Executive Editor at The Capitol Forum

Reserve your spot today!