Speakers
Description
Despite a long history of animal source foods (ASF) consumption, many people have begun to look for alternatives to traditional ASF consumption and have advocated for a change in the composition of our diet. However, what could happen if the entire industry suddenly ceased to exist?
In this World Café we take a closer look at some questions that arise around the gaps and challenges posed by a meat-free diet.
Table 1 - Nutritional gap and challenges: What are the potential nutritional deficiencies that could arise from the elimination of meat from diets? Could they be addressed?
Meat is a substantial source of essential nutrients like protein, iron, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. While plant-based foods could provide many of the nutrients found in meat, the bioavailability—or the extent to which the body can absorb and use these nutrients—differs between food groups. This could lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially in populations with limited access to diverse food sources. This table will discuss the challenges of ensuring adequate nutrient intake in a meat-free world, exploring the nutritional roles that meat currently plays and considering the feasibility of alternative sources of these nutrients in different regions and for different demographics, as well as potential public health strategies to address widespread nutritional gaps.
Table 2 - Behavior and lifestyle changes: How might the elimination of meat from diets affect cultural practices and social norms? Could societies adapt?
Meat consumption is deeply embedded in many cultures and social practices, from religious rituals to traditional cuisine. The shift to a meat-free world would not only change diets but also disrupt cultural identities and social structures. This table will explore the cultural significance of meat in various societies and the potential resistance to change. The discussion will also consider how alternative dietary practices could be integrated into these cultures, the role of education and awareness in facilitating this transition and the potential for new traditions to emerge that align with a meat-free lifestyle. Participants will explore strategies to support societies in this transition, including the role of habit formation, behavioral nudges and social support networks. The conversation will also consider the potential role of food technology in creating appealing meat alternatives that satisfy taste and texture preferences.
Table 3 - Production and supply chain challenges: What are the economic implications of a decline in meat production? Could global supply chains be restructured to ensure fair markets and food security?
A potential decline of meat consumption would lead to a transformation of the global agricultural sector. Furthermore, the global supply chains for meat are complex and deeply integrated into the world economy. Transitioning away from meat would lead to a complete restructuring and shifts in market powers across these supply chains. This table will explore the challenges of shifting from meat production to plant-based agriculture. Factors such as land use, infrastructure needs, employment and market power will be discussed. Participants will explore the logistics of producing, processing and distributing plant-based foods on a global scale, as well as the potential role of technology and market powers in supporting this new supply chain.
Table 4 - Environmental and sustainability challenges: How would a meat-free world impact climate change, land use and biodiversity?
The production of ASF, particularly beef, is one of the most land-intensive agricultural practices, often linked to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Meat production also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and other environmental pressures. A global shift away from meat could free up large areas of land for reforestation or other uses. But the transition poses the challenge of balancing reforestation efforts with the need for expansion of plant-based agriculture to ensure food security. Furthermore, the environmental benefits of a meat-free diet would also depend on the implementation of sustainable practices within the expanding plant-based agriculture. This table will explore the potential environmental benefits and challenges associated with changes in land use, considering how to optimize land for both food production and ecosystem restoration. Participants will also discuss the implications for biodiversity, both in terms of preserving habitats and managing agricultural biodiversity.
