Illinois ranks third in the US for alternative protein companies, according to a report from the Illinois Alternative Protein Innovation Task Force. The report outlines a plan to expand the state's role in alternative protein production, highlighting economic development, public health, and agricultural diversification benefits. With over 30 companies operating in this space, Illinois is positioned to become a central hub for plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-derived protein technologies, leveraging its agricultural and manufacturing assets to support growth.

The report calls for targeted investment in research, development, workforce training, and infrastructure to enable scale-up of new food production technologies. It also addresses the need for regulatory clarity and market development support, emphasizing the potential for expanding alternative protein production to create jobs, increase demand for local crops, and stabilize supply chains. The state is seen as a leader in this space, with the potential to contribute to food system resilience, economic growth, and global market opportunities.