Called precision fermentation - creating cow protein in the lab - it could in theory replace dairy ingredients, which make up a significant proportion of New Zealand's export market.
"Precision fermentation of dairy proteins creates a very easy pathway for creating proteins using dairy cows," says University of Otago Professor Hugh Campbell explained.
But, like Milking It, Federated Farmers doesn't see parents ever being happy putting lab-grown meat and milk in their kids' lunchboxes. Which is the reason the fake meat industry is falling - the 'yuck' factor of protein made in a test tube.