Food production in developed countries is a major contributor to the climate crisis but Dutch researchers have a plan. It’s currently being considered by policy makers and it would move EU producers and consumers to a more climate friendly system. Numerous scientific studies say we need to radically reduce our consumption of beef, lamb and dairy while eating more plant-based foods. But our current farming and food systems have billions of dollars invested in the status quo, supported by huge government incentives. How do we engineer the changes?
The above chart summarizes a plan by the True Animal Protein Price (TAPP) Coalition to transition to a greener food system. A “fair meat price” is a tax and incentive system to support farmers moving to more sustainable methods of raising meat while making fruits and vegetables more affordable. This sustainability charge on meat, increasing gradually over time, reflects the environmental costs of production, including CO2 emissions and biodiversity loss. The charge would increase the cost of a steak by 25%, with a lower levy on other meats that have a smaller carbon footprint.
“Including the environmental cost of animal protein in the price is a crucial element of meeting EU targets for climate, biodiversity, public health, farming and animal welfare,” said Pier Vellinga, a leading climate expert and professor at Wageningen University and TAPP Coalition Chair. Studies show the majority of Dutch consumers support the proposal.