Media of all types has paid great attention to plant-based protein of late. However, the hype leaves out the importance of factually discussing issues surrounding meat production. We agree with Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, that collaboration by all parties will lead to science-based solutions to protein supply challenges.
Simmons issues a call to action for the animal industry on the complex topics surrounding climate and animal agriculture. “We can only solve these [issues] if we work together for scientific truth and solutions,” he says. He adds that we need to be talking about animals and their impact on our world.
Let’s focus on meaningful steps that make an impact like getting farms to carbon neutral and producing protein more efficiently.” – Jeff Simmons
Source: Food Dive, January 23, 2020. Link. Here are some facts Simmons shares:
- 86% of the 6 billion tons of feed livestock consumed annually is made up of materials people cannot eat.
- . . . cattle return 1 pound of protein to the human food system for every 0.6 pounds of potentially human edible protein they consume.
- According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for 26% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock production is just 4%.
INSIGHTS: The alternatives movement has raised relevant issues worth discussing. Animal health pros respond by researching theories to establish truth. It is a pleasure to work in an industry that has the character to diligently research and develop solutions to real problems. This is truly sensational.