In a groundbreaking move that blends biotechnology, sustainability, and practical agronomy, PoLoPo, an Israeli biotech firm, has finalized its design plans for a pilot-scale production facility in Ness Ziona. This facility will focus on extracting functional proteins from the company’s proprietary high-protein genetically engineered potatoes, positioning tubers as a new frontier in the plant-based protein revolution.
Following a successful five-ton harvest, the first of its kind globally for protein-rich transgenic potatoes, the planned facility marks a turning point in scalable bio-based ingredient manufacturing. The total projected cost of construction is under $1 million, with core operations covering potato cleaning, crushing, protein purification, and spray drying—all with off-the-shelf food processing machinery. This strategic approach drastically reduces CAPEX and enhances replicability across different regions and markets.
According to PoLoPo’s leadership and NIRAS—the Danish engineering consultancy responsible for the design—the modular nature of the facility supports rapid expansion and future upscaling. The design also aligns with industrial sustainability principles, leveraging standard infrastructure and energy-efficient operations.
PoLoPo’s core innovation lies in its metabolic engineering platform, which enables ordinary potatoes to function as biofactories that accumulate target proteins in the tuber. These proteins are then processed into functional protein powders, compatible with food production systems ranging from bakery to meat alternatives.
This development comes at a time when the global plant-based protein market continues to grow rapidly, reaching an estimated value of $19.2 billion in 2023 and projected to surpass $40 billion by 2030, according to market intelligence from Grand View Research and Statista. As demand for alternative proteins accelerates—driven by climate concerns, health trends, and the need for resilient food systems—PoLoPo’s potato platform offers an efficient, low-footprint solution that integrates agricultural production with food tech innovation.
From an agronomic perspective, the choice of potato as a protein platform is particularly promising. Potatoes are among the world’s top non-grain staple crops, with global production exceeding 374 million metric tons in 2023 (FAO). Their adaptability to different climates, short growing cycle, and existing large-scale supply chains make them ideal candidates for value-added applications.
Furthermore, PoLoPo’s model addresses the critical challenge of producing cost-effective, scalable proteins without needing new land use changes or major infrastructure overhauls, contributing to climate-smart agriculture goals.
PoLoPo’s vision is more than just a biotech novelty—it’s a practical, scalable response to the growing global need for sustainable protein sources. By transforming the potato into a bioengineered protein crop, the company opens new possibilities for farmers, agronomists, and food producers alike. As the pilot facility nears construction, all eyes in the agricultural and food tech world will be on this innovation hub in Israel, where humble tubers may just hold the key to a more resilient food future.
