Alternative Proteins: Should Livestock Producers Worry?

Tim Hammerich

News Reporter

Alternative proteins have been getting a lot of attention lately, including plant based and cell grown meat and dairy products. However, the success of alternatives doesn’t necessarily come at the expense of animal agriculture. Food futurist Jack Bobo supports the idea of moderate meat consumption, but says there is enough demand coming for everyone to benefit.

Bobo… “I see this as an opportunity to increase global trade. By 2050 we need between 50 and 100 percent more protein. You know, some of that's going to come from alternatives, whether that's plant-based or cell-based or other things, but a lot of it's going to come from animal protein. So we're not talking about a shrinking pie and people are competing over less and less. The question is just how much growth will there be and will some of that be taken by plant-based cell-based or the livestock industry. So it is a growing pie and so producers should not be fearful of it, but it is important that trade is easy so that the products produced here in the United States can reach the places that need it overseas. You know, I'm thinking that we do need to shift diets, but there are many places who would benefit from access to what we produce here.”

Bobo recently released a new book titled “Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices”.