Editor’s Observe: This publish was created in collaboration with and with monetary assist from EIT Meals.
The Empowering Ladies in Agrifood (EWA) programme by EIT Meals supplies 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 girls in agriculture by equipping them with the instruments, expertise, and networks wanted to succeed. Ladies’s contributions to sustainable meals methods and rural communities are invaluable, but usually ignored, and this programme seeks to bridge that hole by fostering management, confidence, and enterprise acumen amongst contributors.
The 2024 version of the EWA programme marked its fifth profitable yr, participating 120 feminine entrepreneurs from 12 international locations, together with Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine. Over the course of six months, contributors benefited from a complete suite of mentoring, enterprise teaching, and networking alternatives, alongside specialised coaching provided 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 influence on the sector.
As a part of this collection, we are going to characteristic interviews with three outstanding winners from the 2024 EWA programme. Every interview will provide a novel glimpse into the methods this programme empowers girls to drive significant change within the agri-food sector. Let’s get proper into it!
Interview with Greta Budreikė, Co-founder of Tastik
At present, we’re excited to share our first interview with Greta Budreikė, co-creator of Tastik and a participant within the 2024 EWA programme. Her progressive strategy to various 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 influence of the EWA programme on her success.
Might you begin this interview by sharing the inspiration behind Tastik and the way you first turned serious about various proteins?
I’ve all the time been interested by merchandise, their elements, and wholesome consuming. For years, I made a aware effort to make sure my every day eating regimen included adequate protein. I used to be properly conscious of its advantages and understood its significance. I sought protein in all places – in on a regular basis merchandise and meals dietary supplements. Specialised protein meals had been usually unpalatable and really costly, so I appeared for alternate options.
I found crickets fairly by chance after studying an article on some 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 things – 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 had been a few of the greatest challenges you confronted in growing Tastik, and the way did you overcome them?
The most important 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 folks about crickets, their dietary worth, and the way the meals is made. I write articles, give talks, and interact 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 overseas markets and constructing model consciousness is important, however every nation has totally different guidelines concerning various proteins like crickets. I spend appreciable time gathering data, consulting consultants, and collaborating 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 serious about Lithuania’s progress on this space. I actively comply with which measures are coated by EU assist, which organisations are answerable 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 prospect to take part in 2023. I eagerly awaited the 2024 name however practically missed the deadline. Fortunately, an in depth pal inspired me to use, recognising how a lot the programme may assist me obtain my targets.
How did the mentorship and coaching through the EWA programme influence your strategy to Tastik? What would you determine because the three most useful 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 arduous 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 college of entrepreneurship.
The mentorship and coaching supplied me with invaluable data, instruments, and a brand new perspective on innovation. The three most useful takeaways had been:
- A deeper understanding of issues: My mentor inspired me to analyse client wants on a broader scale, serving to me not solely develop a product but in addition create significant options.
- A clearer strategic plan: The programme helped me construction my concepts into actionable steps, articulate the product’s worth, and determine my goal prospects.
- Confidence and motivation: Participation strengthened my perception in Tastik’s potential, gave me the braveness to pursue formidable targets, and motivated me to grow to be 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 one in all my prime priorities. Each resolution is made with the environmental and societal influence in thoughts. By selecting cricket protein (Acheta domesticus) as the principle uncooked materials, I intention to minimise the ecological footprint of my actions and encourage change within the meals business.
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 in addition creates long-term worth by lowering environmental strain, combating local weather change, and inspiring accountable consumption.
How do you envision various proteins like cricket-based merchandise shaping the way forward for world meals methods and client habits?
Various proteins have the potential to revolutionise world meals methods and client habits. They tackle key challenges similar to diet and sustainability. Key elements embody:
- Enhancing diet: Cricket protein supplies an entire amino acid profile, important nutritional vitamins, and minerals, making it notably helpful for older adults to keep up muscle mass, bone power, and immune well being.
- Personalisation: Advances like 3D printing will enable tailor-made merchandise that meet particular person dietary wants and preferences, providing an interesting and dignified eating expertise.
- Sustainable meals methods: Cricket protein affords a low-impact, environment friendly various to conventional livestock farming, serving to to alleviate strain on world meals manufacturing.
- Altering client habits: Progressive, nutritious, and engaging merchandise may help overcome scepticism about various proteins and encourage widespread adoption.
- Enhancing world well being: Useful meals made with various proteins can fight malnutrition globally, catering to various markets and cultural wants.
The longer term lies in options that mix sustainability, innovation, and societal influence.
Lastly, what recommendation would you provide to different girls entrepreneurs serious about beginning their very own entrepreneurial journey?
- Take step one: Beginning may be daunting, however motion is crucial half. Even small steps can result in vital modifications.
- Encompass your self with the fitting folks: Hunt down mentors, friends, and professionals who encourage and assist you. Programmes like EWA may help construct your confidence and open new alternatives.
- Create a significant imaginative and prescient: Deal with making a enterprise that not solely generates revenue but in addition addresses societal and environmental points. A accountable strategy will set you aside available in the market 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 corporation develop and succeed.
Celebrating success and searching forward
The EWA programme continues demonstrating the ability of focused assist for girls entrepreneurs within the agri-food sector. Offering mentorship, networking, and hands-on coaching, this programme permits contributors to convey their progressive 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 influence, 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 girls in agrifood and reminds us of the vital position they play in shaping the way forward for sustainable meals methods.