Scientists make plants produce milk protein, paving way for cow-free dairy…

Israeli scientists have engineered plants to produce a key milk protein without cows, marking a major step toward sustainable, cow-free dairy. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem successfully made plant seeds manufacture β-casein, one of the main proteins that gives milk its nutrition, texture, and cheese-making ability.

Led by Prof. Oded Shoseyov, the team found the protein behaved like authentic dairy β-casein and accumulated in an unexpected location inside the plant cells. They used Arabidopsis as a model and plan to scale production in safflower seeds, which are far more efficient and require little water.

The breakthrough could sharply cut the environmental cost of dairy farming. Commercial products may reach the market within 18 to 24 months.

The development was reported by the Jerusalem Post.