Meat production and consumption for a healthy and sustainable Australian food system: Policy options and political dimensions

Abstract

Background: While moderate amounts of meat have nutritional benefits, diets high in meat are contributing to adverse health and environmental outcomes, including environmental degradation, high greenhouse gas emissions, and the increasing the global burden of chronic disease. Authoritative organisations have repeatedly called for significant reduction in meat consumption. In Australia, this presents a major political and cultural challenge, due to the dominant societal preference for meat, the economic significance of the meat industry and a political deference to neoliberalism. Underpinned by an ecologically responsive regulatory approach, this study aims to explore the regulatory and polit..