A groundbreaking study has revealed that the meat and dairy industries in the EU and US are significantly hindering the development of greener alternatives essential for combatting the climate crisis. The research, which analyzed lobbying efforts, subsidies, and regulations, found that livestock farmers in the EU received an astonishing 1,200 times more public funding than plant-based or cultivated meat groups. Similarly, animal farmers in the US obtained 800 times more public funding.
Furthermore, the study discovered that meat producers in the US spent a staggering 190 times more on lobbying the government compared to alternative producers, and this number was three times higher in the EU. Alarmingly, nearly all dietary guidelines failed to address the environmental impact of meat production or impose any bans on alternative products using terms like “milk.”
Reducing meat consumption in wealthier nations is absolutely crucial in tackling the climate crisis, as livestock production accounts for 15% of all global greenhouse emissions. Moreover, cutting meat and dairy consumption also has a direct positive impact on pollution levels, land and water use, and the preservation of forests. Scientists maintain that this is the most significant solution for individuals to reduce their environmental footprint.
Commenting on the power of the animal farming industry, Professor Eric Lambin from Stanford University stated, “The power of the animal farming sector, both in the US and in Europe, and the political influence they have is just gigantic.” Lambin, along with Dr. Simona Vallone, who co-authored the study, concluded that powerful vested interests are obstructing competition and hampering the development of technological innovations.
According to the researchers, addressing this issue will require government policies that accurately reflect the environmental costs associated with meat production, potentially through taxation. Additionally, increasing research on alternatives and educating consumers will be essential.
The study emphasized that public investment is crucial for scaling up sustainable protein production and lowering prices. Failure to invest in the sector may cause Europe to forfeit its enormous benefits.
The study, which analyzed major EU and US agricultural policies from 2014 to 2020, found that only $42 million (0.1% of the £35 billion spent on meat and dairy) was allocated to plant-based alternatives. Plant-based alternatives accounted for just 1.5% of total sales. Cattle farmers in the EU received at least 50% of their income from direct subsidies.
Furthermore, the researchers underscored the restrictive labeling rules that hinder the adoption of alternative products. In the EU, terms like “milk” and “cheese” have been banned for most alternative milk and dairy products since 2017. The US is also considering a proposal that would require the word “imitation” to be included on the labels of alternative meats.
National dietary guidelines, which greatly influence meals served in public sector institutions, such as schools and hospitals, were also found to neglect the environmental impacts of meat and dairy in the vast majority of EU member states and the US. However, the newly rewritten guidelines in Nordic countries now promote a predominantly plant-based diet.
Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress towards more sustainable diets. The EU has proposed measures to accelerate the transition, the US Inflation Reduction Act includes funding to help farmers reduce emissions, and lab-grown chicken has received approval in the US.
Professor Lambin emphasized the need for a level playing field for the alternative sector to thrive. He stated, “The new sector needs to be given its chance to expand and gain efficiency. After that, consumers can judge whether they like it or not, and scientists can evaluate its environmental and health benefits. However, if the sector cannot develop to a scale where this assessment is possible, the opportunity to transition to a sustainable food system will be lost.”
A report by the Boston Consulting Group in 2022 reaffirmed that plant-based meat is the most effective climate investment available.
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