While I have no problem with the proliferation of plant-based protein – it’s not my thing, but knock yourself out if you like it – I do take issue with the idea that a bunch of smushed-up veggies is the future of meat. It has become an increasingly frequent topic in the news. For the planet to have a sustainable future, plant-based meat or cultivated meat has to replace animal protein, or so say the experts.
Thank goodness the meat industry didn’t bite on the nonsensical report that the Biden Administration was going to steal your steaks and hamburgers away. However, while the government doesn’t hold those views, there are some activists who definitely do. They’re missing the other side of the meat industry, though. Local agriculture and regenerative agriculture movements represent important ways for the meat industry to be a part of the sustainability dialogue moving forward. I had never heard of regenerative agriculture a couple of years ago, but now I have come across several companies and ranchers who use it as a part of their core philosophy. It’s an encouraging step forward.