Editor’s Be aware: This submit was created in collaboration with and with monetary help from EIT Meals.
The Empowering Girls in Agrifood (EWA) programme by EIT Meals offers an unparalleled platform for feminine entrepreneurs to drive innovation in making a sustainable meals system. Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Expertise (EIT), a physique of the European Union, this initiative champions ladies in agriculture by equipping them with the instruments, expertise, and networks wanted to succeed. Girls’s contributions to sustainable meals techniques and rural communities are invaluable, but typically neglected, and this programme seeks to bridge that hole by fostering management, confidence, and enterprise acumen amongst members.
The 2024 version of the EWA programme marked its fifth profitable 12 months, participating 120 feminine entrepreneurs from 12 nations, together with Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine. Over the course of six months, members benefited from a complete suite of mentoring, enterprise teaching, and networking alternatives, alongside specialised coaching supplied in native languages. Remarkably, the initiative has led to the creation of 35 startups and the elevating of €13 million in funding, demonstrating its transformative affect on the sector.
As a part of this sequence, we are going to characteristic interviews with three exceptional winners from the 2024 EWA programme. Every interview will supply a novel glimpse into the methods this programme empowers ladies to drive significant change within the agri-food sector. Let’s get proper into it!
Interview with Greta Budreikė, Co-founder of Tastik
Right this moment, we’re excited to share our first interview with Greta Budreikė, co-creator of Tastik and a participant within the 2024 EWA programme. Her revolutionary strategy to different proteins has resulted within the creation of cricket-based breakfast cereals which can be each sustainable and nutrient-rich. On this interview, we delve into her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Tastik, and the affect of the EWA programme on her success.
May you begin this interview by sharing the inspiration behind Tastik and the way you first turned excited about different proteins?
I’ve all the time been inquisitive about merchandise, their components, and wholesome consuming. For years, I made a acutely aware effort to make sure my each day weight loss plan included adequate protein. I used to be properly conscious of its advantages and understood its significance. I sought protein in every single place – in on a regular basis merchandise and meals dietary supplements. Specialised protein meals have been typically unpalatable and really costly, so I seemed for alternate options.
I found crickets fairly accidentally after studying an article on one of the well-known Lithuanian web portals. I used to be instantly intrigued by their dietary composition. With out a lot hesitation, I organized a go to to a cricket farm. I used to be fascinated by all the pieces – their cultivation, the enterprise alternatives they introduced, and, above all, their style. On that event, I attempted a easy dried insect which, even with out seasoning, was surprisingly scrumptious.
What have been a few of the greatest challenges you confronted in growing Tastik, and the way did you overcome them?
The largest problem has been overcoming the stigma round bugs. Many individuals are merely afraid to eat them. I focus closely on schooling, offering workshops and shows to tell individuals about crickets, their dietary worth, and the way the meals is made. I write articles, give talks, and have interaction in public actions to advertise this sustainable enterprise and spotlight the significance of different proteins.
Different challenges embody navigating regulatory necessities and attracting funding. Increasing into international markets and constructing model consciousness is important, however every nation has totally different guidelines relating to different proteins like crickets. I spend appreciable time gathering data, consulting consultants, and taking part in entrepreneurship programmes to higher perceive these variations and safe EU funding. Becoming a member of the EWA programme was a strategic resolution to achieve focused data in these areas.
When did you first hear in regards to the EWA programme, and what motivated you to use?
I’ve 15 years of expertise designing and implementing EU-funded initiatives and am deeply excited about Lithuania’s progress on this space. I actively comply with which measures are coated by EU help, which organisations are liable for particular sectors, and what alternatives can be found for younger entrepreneurs like myself. I first heard in regards to the EWA programme at a gathering however missed the possibility to take part in 2023. I eagerly awaited the 2024 name however almost missed the deadline. Fortunately, an in depth good friend inspired me to use, recognising how a lot the programme may assist me obtain my objectives.
How did the mentorship and coaching throughout the EWA programme affect your strategy to Tastik? What would you establish because the three most dear takeaways from the programme?
Making use of to the EWA programme was a major motivator for me. From the outset, I used to be decided to work onerous and win. The programme was of the very best high quality, and it was a privilege to work with such professionals.
I’m notably grateful to my mentor, Inga Juozapavičienė, who guided me over the six-month interval. We established a productive working relationship, with weekly conferences and clearly outlined duties that I needed to current when accomplished. It was like attending a faculty of entrepreneurship.
The mentorship and coaching supplied me with invaluable data, instruments, and a brand new perspective on innovation. The three most dear takeaways have been:
- A deeper understanding of issues: My mentor inspired me to analyse shopper wants on a broader scale, serving to me not solely develop a product but additionally create significant options.
- A clearer strategic plan: The programme helped me construction my concepts into actionable steps, articulate the product’s worth, and establish my goal clients.
- Confidence and motivation: Participation strengthened my perception in Tastik’s potential, gave me the braveness to pursue formidable objectives, and motivated me to turn into a proactive agent of change in meals know-how.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Tastik’s mission. How do you guarantee your merchandise and manufacturing processes align with this worth?
Sustainability is considered one of my prime priorities. Each resolution is made with the environmental and societal affect in thoughts. By selecting cricket protein (Acheta domesticus) as the primary uncooked materials, I purpose to minimise the ecological footprint of my actions and encourage change within the meals trade.
Cricket farming is extremely sustainable. Crickets require considerably much less water, feed, and land than conventional livestock, whereas additionally emitting far fewer greenhouse gases. Moreover, they are often fed natural waste, selling the round financial system.
This strategy not solely addresses the world’s want for sustainable meals alternate options but additionally creates long-term worth by lowering environmental stress, combating local weather change, and inspiring accountable consumption.
How do you envision different proteins like cricket-based merchandise shaping the way forward for international meals techniques and shopper habits?
Various proteins have the potential to revolutionise international meals techniques and shopper habits. They deal with key challenges akin to vitamin and sustainability. Key features embody:
- Enhancing vitamin: Cricket protein offers a whole amino acid profile, important nutritional vitamins, and minerals, making it notably useful for older adults to take care of muscle mass, bone power, and immune well being.
- Personalisation: Advances like 3D printing will permit tailor-made merchandise that meet particular person dietary wants and preferences, providing an interesting and dignified eating expertise.
- Sustainable meals techniques: Cricket protein gives a low-impact, environment friendly different to conventional livestock farming, serving to to alleviate stress on international meals manufacturing.
- Altering shopper habits: Revolutionary, nutritious, and attractive merchandise might help overcome scepticism about different proteins and encourage widespread adoption.
- Enhancing international well being: Purposeful meals made with different proteins can fight malnutrition globally, catering to various markets and cultural wants.
The long run lies in options that mix sustainability, innovation, and societal affect.
Lastly, what recommendation would you supply to different ladies entrepreneurs excited about beginning their very own entrepreneurial journey?
- Take step one: Beginning might be daunting, however motion is crucial half. Even small steps can result in important modifications.
- Encompass your self with the best individuals: Search out mentors, friends, and professionals who encourage and help you. Programmes like EWA might help construct your confidence and open new alternatives.
- Create a significant imaginative and prescient: Concentrate on making a enterprise that not solely generates revenue but additionally addresses societal and environmental points. A accountable strategy will set you aside out there and make an actual distinction.
- Continue to learn and adapting: Each problem is a lesson. Keep open to new concepts, tendencies, and alternatives to assist your enterprise develop and succeed.
Celebrating success and searching forward
The EWA programme continues demonstrating the facility of focused help for girls entrepreneurs within the agri-food sector. Offering mentorship, networking, and hands-on coaching, this programme permits members to deliver their revolutionary concepts to life whereas fostering a extra inclusive and sustainable meals system. The success tales from the 2024 version spotlight the programme’s far-reaching affect, from securing funding to scaling companies and getting into new markets.
Keep tuned for our subsequent interview, the place we are going to highlight one other inspiring participant from the EWA programme. Every story underscores the transformative potential of empowering ladies in agrifood and reminds us of the crucial position they play in shaping the way forward for sustainable meals techniques.
