According to climate change experts, it is imminent that eating habits will change with respect to meat. One of these changes is about eating less, which already occurs in some developed countries, and an even more pronounced trend towards chicken and pork.
Consuming less beef and switching to chicken or pork – which has been going on for several years now – is simply happening because these meats are cheaper due to their higher efficiency and supply. This makes them more “eco-friendly.” On the other hand, beef – with the greatest impact on climate change – has suffered a sharp increase in cost, which makes it an item for special occasions, possibly even a luxury.
But it looks like the trend of developed countries does not match that of those developing. It seems paradoxical, because in the latter, the tendency is to increase consumption. They have been consuming very little for decades. Some may consider that it is not eco-friendly to consume more meat, but are they going to tell consumers in developing countries not to consume so much? And on the other hand, what are we going to do with climate change?
I believe that the answer lies in ourselves as an industry: efficiency, zero waste, recycling, alternative sources of energy. And with the consumer, in knowing how to choose – with knowledge, not beliefs – and to make the most of everything, without wasting.
Let's not forget other global aspects. It seems that we have already reached the historical lows of cheap food prices and that they will increase again. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has just reported that meat prices are rising due to high demand and African swine fever (ASF). Without the effect of inflation in real terms, it would be “45% below the average of the last 120 years.” In addition, we still do not fully know the effects of ASF.
What do you think?
