meat
Newsletter
Credit: Annie Spratt/Unsplash
Slaughterhouses ordered to pay for deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon
A Brazilian judge has ordered two beef slaughterhouses and three ranchers to pay $764,000 for contributing to deforestation in a protected Amazon rainforest area.
In short:
- Two slaughterhouses, Distriboi and Frigon, were found guilty of buying cattle from illegally deforested land in Rondonia’s Jaci-Parana reserve.
- The $764,000 penalty includes $453,000 for reforesting 232 hectares of land that was converted to pasture.
- This case is one of several lawsuits seeking damages from companies involved in the illegal cattle trade in the Amazon.
Key quote:
“When a slaughterhouse, whether by negligence or intent, buys and resells products from invaded and illegally deforested reserves, it is clear that it is directly benefiting from these illegal activities.”
— Judge Inês Moreira da Costa
Why this matters:
The Amazon is vital for global climate regulation, and deforestation driven by cattle farming threatens its survival. Legal action against companies involved in illegal deforestation is crucial for protecting this essential ecosystem.
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Newsletter
Credit: Annie Spratt/Unsplash
European farming lobbies agree to shift toward less meat consumption
Europe's farming and green groups reached a consensus on reducing meat consumption, calling for urgent reforms to improve sustainability in agriculture.
In short:
- A report acknowledges Europeans consume more animal protein than recommended and calls for shifting toward plant-based diets.
- It proposes a "just transition fund" to support farmers adopting sustainable practices and rethink farm subsidies.
- Stakeholders agree on gradual changes, though some farm groups express concerns about the report's livestock recommendations.
Key quote:
“This is a victory for our farmers, our environment and our future – if politicians will have the courage and integrity to act on it.”
— Ariel Brunner, director of Birdlife Europe
Why this matters:
Meat-heavy diets contribute to climate change and environmental harm. The agreed reforms aim to make food systems more sustainable, but they require political will to implement.
Related:
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Newsletter
Meat and dairy companies prioritize advertising over emissions reduction
Meat and dairy companies invest minimal revenue in climate measures while spending significantly on advertising, a new report reveals.
In short:
- Major meat and dairy companies allocate a small fraction of their revenue to emissions reduction, with Brazilian giant JBS spending just 0.03%.
- The sector, responsible for over 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces accusations of greenwashing due to misleading sustainability claims.
- Companies target younger consumers through social media, while opposing stricter environmental laws behind the scenes.
Key quote:
“They claim to be committed to climate solutions while employing deceptive tactics to distract, delay and derail meaningful action. These tactics mirror those of Big Oil and Big Tobacco, allowing them to continue their harmful practices unchecked.”
— Nusa Urbancic, CEO of Changing Markets Foundation
Why this matters:
Agriculture, particularly livestock farming, is responsible for a substantial share of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted by cattle, and the extensive land and water resources required for meat and dairy production, pose significant environmental challenges. Despite these issues, major players in the industry have made only minimal commitments to reduce their carbon footprint.
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Credit: TatyanaGl/Big Stock Photo
Lab-grown pet food gains approval in the UK
Britain has authorized the sale of lab-grown meat for pet food, marking a pioneering step in Europe.
In short:
- Meatly, a British biotech company, received approval to sell lab-grown chicken cell meat for pets.
- The UK’s move follows Brexit, enabling more flexible regulations compared to the EU.
- Advocates highlight environmental and ethical benefits, such as reduced animal slaughter and pollution.
Key quote:
“We don’t need to raise or kill any animals…Instead of 50 billion chickens a year, it’s one egg, one time, and we’ve created an infinite amount of meat.”
— Owen Ensor, chief executive of Meatly
Why this matters:
Lab-grown pet food can significantly reduce the environmental impact of pet ownership by cutting down on traditional livestock farming. This innovation also addresses ethical concerns associated with meat production, potentially transforming the pet food industry.
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Credit: Antonio Groß/Unsplash
University research supports meat industry's image
University researchers are helping meat producers improve their public image through funded research.
In short:
- The National Pork Board funds the Real Pork Trust Consortium to counter negative perceptions of the pork industry.
- Historically, land-grant universities have partnered with the agriculture industry to boost productivity, now focusing on addressing environmental impacts while maintaining industry growth.
- Critics argue these partnerships prioritize industry profits over public and environmental health.
Key quote:
"It's sort of like increasing public trust in coal mining-based energy production, lead-based paint manufacturing, leaded fuel-dependent transportation, asbestos-dependent construction methods, or DDT-based pest control."
— Crystal Heath, veterinarian and founder of animal advocacy nonprofit Our Honor
Why this matters:
Industry-funded research at universities can bias scientific inquiries toward profit-driven goals, potentially compromising public and environmental health. While research can lead to improvements in livestock farming practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving animal welfare, and ensuring safer food products, critics argue that industry-funded research might downplay the negative impacts of meat production and promote findings that favor the sponsors.
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Credit: Erik Karits/Unsplash
Lone star tick spreads northward, causing concern over meat allergy
A tick known to cause meat and dairy allergies is spreading north, alarming health officials as summer tick activity rises.
In short:
- The lone star tick, once rare in the northeast and Great Lakes, is spreading due to warmer winters and an increased deer population.
- This tick can cause alpha-gal syndrome, a severe allergy to red meat, with over 110,000 suspected cases in the U.S. from 2010 to 2022.
- Health officials advise preventing tick bites by using repellents and wearing protective clothing outdoors.
Why this matters:
The spread of the lone star tick increases the risk of alpha-gal syndrome, potentially altering diets and lifestyles. As global temperatures rise, regions that were once too cold for the lone star tick are becoming more hospitable. Milder winters and longer warm seasons provide a conducive environment for these ticks to survive and reproduce.
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Newsletter
Florida bans the sale of lab-grown meat
Florida has become the first state to ban lab-grown meat, sparking a heated debate on food innovation and public health.
In short:
- Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1084, making it illegal to sell, manufacture or distribute cultivated meat in Florida.
- A person could face 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 if they are found guilty of breaking the law.
- Upside Foods and GOOD Meat, companies authorized to sell lab-grown meat accused the law of protecting traditional agriculture interests.
Key quote:
"We believe that cultivated meat is essential for the future of food and people should have the right to choose what they eat."
— Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of Upside Foods.
Why this matters:
Banning cultivated meat could stifle innovation and limits consumer choice. As lab-grown meat could offer environmental and ethical benefits, such legislation may hinder progress towards more sustainable food production methods.
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