Core Viewpoint - Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF) has announced a collaboration with Pangea, Prime Pursuits, and Walmart to enhance transparency in supply chains by introducing CARE Certified sustainable leather to automotive brands, while also providing beef producers with an additional way to add value [1][2][3] Group 1: Initiative Overview - The joint initiative, "Transparency in Motion," aims to leverage data-driven practices to confirm the sourcing and processing of materials, making Pangea the first in North America to achieve such traceability [2] - The CARE Certified program promotes sustainable practices throughout the beef supply chain, offering ranchers an innovative opportunity to enhance the value of their herds and connect with consumers focused on sustainability [2][3] Group 2: Industry Challenges and Opportunities - The beef industry is facing challenges such as declining hide values due to synthetic leather alternatives, prompting WFCF to seek innovative ways to add value for beef producers [3] - By becoming CARE Certified, ranchers can enhance the value of their cattle and appeal to consumers who prioritize sustainable and ethical sourcing [3] Group 3: Collaboration Impact - The collaboration is designed to transform the beef and leather industries, providing automotive manufacturers with the opportunity to lead in sustainable sourcing by incorporating CARE Certified leather into their products [4] - This initiative aims to reduce waste by promoting leather as a natural byproduct of the beef industry, creating new marketing avenues for ranchers [4][5] Group 4: Commitment to Sustainability - WFCF is committed to partnering with all segments of the supply chain to drive innovation and transparency, creating connections between farmers, ranchers, and consumers [5] - The initiative aligns the interests of ranchers, consumers, and manufacturers in a shared vision for sustainability and quality, benefiting American ranching families [6]

Investment Overview - Dutch biotechnology company Qorium has successfully raised a 22 million euro series A funding round to enhance the commercialization of its cultivated leather technology [1][2] - The investment was led by Invest-NL and LIOF, with participation from existing investors Brightlands Venture Partners and Sofinnova Partners, along with several private investors [2] Funding Details - The recent funding follows an earlier 8 million euro raise through two seed rounds, which included 2.6 million euros in 2021 and an additional 7.4 million euros in 2024 [3] - The new funding will support Qorium's scaling and commercialization efforts, including expanding capacity at its Maastricht facility and establishing new partnerships for lab-grown leather [3] Industry Impact - Qorium's CEO emphasized that the investment signifies strong confidence in the company's mission to revolutionize the leather industry by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional leather [2] - Invest-NL highlighted that Qorium's innovation could significantly transform one of the most polluting industries globally [4] - The investment reflects Qorium's progress and the economic and sustainability potential of its leather products, according to Sofinnova Partners [4] Company Developments - Qorium plans to appoint a new director to its board in the upcoming weeks to support its growth and strategic initiatives [4]