Latest news with #AgricultureandHorticultureDevelopmentBoard
1News
2 days ago
- Health
- 1News
Meat is back in fashion: Why the backlash against plant-based diets?
A few years ago, meat consumption was falling, and investment into plant-based startups was surging, and then it reversed again. What does that mean for our health and the state of the planet? UK academics Jonathan Beacham and David M. Evans report. People in the UK are eating too much meat – especially processed meat – according to a recent report from the Food Foundation, a UK charity. The report recommends revisiting school food standards, which advises schools to serve meat three times a week. The consequence? Children often eat a higher proportion of processed meat than adults. Children in the UK are served meat for lunch three times a week. (Source: The effects of meat-heavy diets are well documented. Some analyses estimate that overconsumption of meat, especially processed red meat, costs the global economy around £219 billion (NZ$495.55 billion) annually, in terms of harms to human health and the environment. At the same time, a growing body of evidence shows that a transition toward more plant-based diets is not just beneficial, but essential. ADVERTISEMENT And yet efforts to reduce meat consumption haven't always been well received. In Paris, for instance, the mayor's initiative to remove meat from municipal canteen menus twice a week triggered an angry backlash from unions and workers who called for the return of steak frites. A few years ago, meat consumption in the UK was falling, and interest in initiatives like Veganuary was surging. Venture capital flooded into plant-based startups, from cricket burgers to hemp milk. The cultural surge of veganism a few years ago has since declined. (Source: But enthusiasm, and investment, has since declined. Meanwhile, populism and 'culture war' narratives have fuelled social media misinformation about food, diet and sustainability, hampering progress. So what has changed? And why is meat once again a flashpoint in the food debate? Working with the H3 Consortium, which explores pathways to food system transformation in the UK, our research has focused on why the backlash against plant-based diets is growing and what it means for people, animals and the planet. Part of the answer lies in coordinated messaging campaigns that frame meat and dairy not just as 'normal' but as 'natural' and essential to a balanced diet. One example is the Let's Eat Balanced campaign, run by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board since 2021. It promotes meat and dairy as key sources of micronutrients such as Vitamin B12 and implicitly positions plant-based diets as nutritionally inadequate. But here's the irony: many intensively farmed animals don't get B12 from their diet naturally. Their feed is supplemented with vitamins and minerals, just as vegan diets are supplemented. So is meat really a more 'natural' source of B12 than a pill? ADVERTISEMENT Many intensively farmed animals don't get B12 from their diet naturally. (Source: That raises a broader question: what could a fair and sustainable transition to plant-based protein look like – not just for consumers, but for farmers and rural communities? Some analyses warn that rapid shifts in land use toward arable farming could have serious unintended consequences, such as disrupting rural economies and threatening livelihoods. There are also legitimate questions about the healthiness of meat and dairy alternatives. Despite the early hype around alternative proteins, many products fall under the category of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – a red flag for consumers wary of additives and artificial ingredients. The popularity of books like Chris van Tulleken's Ultra-Processed People has stoked concerns about emulsifiers, ingredients used to bind veggie burgers or prevent vegan milk from curdling, and some headlines have asked whether they 'destroy' our gut health. Still, it's a leap to suggest that conventional red meat is the healthier alternative. The health risks of processed meat are well established, especially the carcinogenic effects of nitrites used to keep meat looking fresh in packaging. Some people suggest eating chicken instead of red meat because it produces less greenhouse gas. But raising chickens also causes problems, like pollution from chicken manure that harms rivers, and it depends a lot on soy feed, which can be affected by political and trade issues. There's a strong case for reducing meat consumption, and the scientific evidence to support it is robust. But understanding the backlash against plant-based eating is essential if we want to make meaningful progress. For now, meat is not disappearing from our diets. In fact, the food fight may be just getting started. ADVERTISEMENT Jonathan Beacham is a research fellow, at the University of Bristol Business School, University of Bristol; David M. Evans is professor of sociotechnical Futures, University of Bristol Business School, University of Bristol, UK. This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons Licence.
Agriland
11-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
‘Strongest set' of oilseed rape pest management strategies released
The further we get into the summer, the warmer temperatures will become, and the higher the risk of pests and diseases among crops. Therefore, farmers need to be diligent in checking for signs of pests and diseases within crops, in order to prevent reductions in quality and yield. With this in mind, the strongest set of cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) management strategies to date has been released today (June 11). The strategies, which were compiled by a large consortium of stakeholders passionate about the future of oilseed rape in the UK, will reduce the risks associated with growing this important break crop, especially when combined. To prepare the strategies, the group evaluated the latest evidence, including data generated by AHDB-funded research. AHDB will continually review the management strategies and adapt them in response to new sources of robust evidence arising from research activities. Sacha White, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) lead crop protection scientist said: 'The amount of oilseed rape grown in the UK in recent years has fallen sharply, partly due to CSFB pressures. 'However, the demand for oilseeds remains strong and the crop provides good market and rotational opportunities. 'These evidence-based management strategies will reduce the risks associated with the pest and stack the odds in the favour of farmers', she added. Pest management strategies The AHDB has outlined the top ten CSFB management strategies as follows: Ditch the date: Do not stick to traditional calendar dates – sow early or late to avoid the peak migration period, which usually occurs during late August to mid-September. Good establishment: Always wait for adequate moisture before sowing, use the best seed, promote good seed-to-soil contact, ensure adequate nutrition and select varieties with appropriate vigour. Keep your distance: Any distance (space and time) between previous and current crops will improve the chance of success. Improve larval tolerance: Fewer, bigger plants will stand up better to larval attack. Make use of muck: Apply organic materials, which can reduce beetle damage and support crop growth. They have also advised carrying out companion cropping and intercropping, which can shield crops from CSFB, and using sacrificial strips of brassica (e.g. turnip) or oilseed rape volunteer trap crops to lure beetles away. The AHDB also called on farmers to stop using pyrethroids as 'resistance is real and the chemical can harm beneficial insects'. The board recommended cultivating OSR stubble soon after harvest to target emerging CSFB and integrating other tactics to suppress the pest. The management strategies were identified as part of the Oilseed Rape Reboot initiative. Led by United Oilseeds, the initiative established an advocacy group to provide a collaborative path to help UK farmers grow stable and profitable OSR crops.
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
British shoppers spending more on beef, but buying less
Spend on beef products increased by 5pc between late February and mid-May compared to the same period last year, due to a combination of a 2.4pc decrease in volumes purchased as well as a 7.7pc increase in average prices paid, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), citing Kantar data. Total primary beef volumes sold to British consumers by supermarkets decreased by 2.5pc in this period. Mince saw a 1.8pc decrease in volumes purchased (-607 tonnes) due to a decrease in shoppers and volume purchased per trip. Diced beef saw volume decreases this period (-4.2pc) due to a decrease in buyers and a decrease in frequency of purchase. Steak also saw a 4pc decrease in volumes due to declines in volumes purchased per trip and number of buyers. Beef roasting volumes saw a moderate increase (+0.4pc). While there is a decrease in frequency of purchase, this was offset by an increase in volume purchased per trip, likely influenced by Easter falling within this period. Burgers and grills saw a moderate 0.1pc increase in volumes purchased, likely constrained by a huge 12pc rise in average price per volume Processed beef saw a 1.2pc increase in volumes purchased year on year. Burgers and grills saw a moderate 0.1pc increase in volumes purchased, likely constrained by a huge 12pc rise in average price per volume. Total added-value products all saw an 8.4pc decrease in volumes purchased this period, driven by the performances of marinades, sous vide and ready-to-cook beef. Marinades saw a 5.1pc volume decrease due to decreases in frequency of purchase and shopper numbers. Ready-to-cook beef volumes declined 2.6pc year on year due to a decrease in shoppers. Meanwhile, the AHDB has also reported that the total British cattle population at April 1 has contracted again to 7.54 million head, down 1.7pc on the previous year. A key driver of this decline was contraction in the beef breeding herd, down 3.4pc from the same time last year. The dairy breeding herd has remained more constant, down by only 0.2 pc from last April. The cattle population available for beef production aged 12-30 months was recorded to be down by 52,000 head (-3pc) compared to April last year, with the biggest reduction being seen in the 18-24 month age group. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The AHDB said this indicates continued beef supply tightness moving forward, potentially lending support to prices over the next six to 12 months. However, the number of cattle for beef production recorded aged zero to six months has increased by almost 8,000 head compared to April last year, with year-on-year increases in beef animals of both sexes. Market signals, such as the exceptionally high beef prices of the past few months, may have encouraged producers to restock over the past six months 'Market signals, such as the exceptionally high beef prices of the past few months, may have encouraged producers to restock over the past six months, supporting this increase,' AHDB analyst Grace Bolton said. However, she said, from the most recent data, it appears that, in the short term, falling GB cattle populations are here to stay, especially influencing the beef supply chain. 'However, the recent record high beef prices may be beginning to support the production decisions of farmers, leading to annual growth in the zero-to-six-month population of cattle available for beef as of April 1. 'The composition of the GB beef herd is also continuing to shift, with breed types changing and dairy beef becoming ever more prevalent as dairy bull numbers continue to fall,' she said.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Evolving Norfolk farm weighs up its options to get cattle decisions right
A west Norfolk farmer has shared his data-driven decision-making process to weigh up all the options before starting a new beef cattle enterprise. David Cross runs Glovers Farm in Sedgeford, which is moving from mixed arable to an all-livestock operation, focusing on improving soil health and business resilience within a changing climate. As part of this evolution he has modelled three cattle enterprise scenarios to determine which approach was best suited to the farm's objectives - contract cattle, a conventional suckler herd, or organic store cattle. And he has explained the process to other farmers as part of the knowledge-sharing Monitor Farm programme run by the AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board). David Cross at Glovers Farm in Sedgeford, which is part of the AHDB Monitor Farm network (Image: AHDB) Mr Cross said: 'Six years ago we realised that we needed to change what we were doing to ensure the long-term sustainability of the farm. "The decision was made to move from a mixed arable system to all livestock, primarily to improve soil health but it has multiple benefits in terms of removing input costs, balancing cashflow, risk reduction and making more use of environmental scheme options. "This shift in focus meant we needed to investigate the options available to us when considering a beef enterprise. "We originally had cattle on a liveweight gain (LWG) contract but the reliance on high-quality forage to meet the targets, with the challenge of changing weather patterns and soil quality issues, meant I wanted to review our options." The three systems were assessed for their impact on land use, feed resources, livestock productivity and financial outcomes, accounting for key factors such as seasonal pasture growth, forage availability and financial sustainability. The study showed organic store cattle offer the highest gross margin but with increased risk and reliance on stewardship income and organic market premium. Meanwhile, contract cattle provide a lower-risk, low-labour option with a balanced cost structure but requires high-quality pasture, and a conventional suckler herd offers long-term security but has higher labour and variable costs, resulting in lower financial returns. Specialist farm modelling software was used to evaluate trade-offs between financial returns, capital investments, labour and operational requirements, environmental impacts and risks from weather, animal disease and subsidy dependence. Mr Cross said his chosen option of contract-reared cattle was an expansion and restructuring of a current operation on the farm. Contract-reared cattle at Glovers Farm in Sedgeford (Image: David Cross) It means 720 calves will arrive this spring to graze on herbal leys, with some leaving in autumn, and some staying through the winter on fodder beet, giving the farm the flexibility to balance demand with optimum grass growth. Mr Cross said: "This is option is the lowest dependency on government subsidies, the least amount of equity to run, and we already have a good relationship with the guys we get the cattle from." He added: 'Modelling the three scenarios and how they would work for our situation was really useful to understand the pros and cons of different systems and how they could fit into the overall aims for the business and its future." Katie Evans, a senior AHDB knowledge exchange manager, said: 'When making decisions its important farmers choose an enterprise model that supports their overall business strategy, taking into account risk tolerance and long-term goals."
Gulf Today
05-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UK-GCC free trade deal will provide big boost to UK exporters: Mooney
A UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement could be transformational for UK food and drink exports. If secured, it could lead to reduced or eliminated tariffs on key UK exports, making British products more competitive in the GCC market, said Sarah Mooney, HM Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan. Addressing a breakfast event in Dubai, she explained, 'Currently, UK exporters face tariffs of up to 25% on cereals, 15% on chocolate, 12% on baking products, 10% on sweet biscuits, and 5% on soft drinks. Removing these barriers would not only make British products more affordable but also enhance trade relationships and increase accessibility to high-quality UK food and drink across the region.' 'Given the GCC's appetite for premium and high-quality products, an FTA would provide a significant boost to UK exporters looking to expand their footprint in the Middle East.' About the UK's participation in the recently concluded Gulfood, Sarah Mooney revealed, 'The UK has a significant presence at Gulfood this year, demonstrating our commitment to fostering trade relationships and showcasing the best of British food and drink. We have a robust cross-section of companies exhibiting at the UK Government stand, featuring products ranging from drinks to savoury snacks and much more besides. As well as dedicated country pavilions for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the UK's Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is also exhibiting dairy and meat from Britain to highlight the UK's particular strength in these sectors. This broad presence reflects the high level of demand for British food and drink in the GCC, driven by our strong reputation for quality, provenance, and innovation.' She added, 'We see Gulfood as an important platform to strengthen trade relationships, engage with key buyers, and highlight the UK's leadership in food sustainability and production standards.' Highlighting the popularity of British food and drink in the region, Mooney said, 'British food and drink products are well respected in the GCC for several reasons. First and foremost, the UK has a globally recognised reputation for producing high-quality food and drink, underpinned by stringent food safety and traceability standards. Consumers in the region appreciate the rich heritage of British cuisine, from iconic cheeses and meats to innovative snack and beverage brands that align with modern tastes.' She added, 'The GCC market is discerning, with a growing appetite for premium, sustainably-produced goods. UK food and drink exports to the GCC reached £817 million in 2023, with the UAE alone accounting for £420 million of that figure, demonstrating the strong and growing demand.' Explaining the demand for UK products in the GCC, she said, 'The GCC market is characterized by a strong demand for premium food and beverages, and the UK is well-positioned to meet this demand. The UAE ranks among the top global markets for consumer spending on food and non-alcoholic beverages, with consumer spending per capita projected to reach £4,830 in 2025. Saudi Arabia is also seeing significant growth in its premium food segment, with 65% of Saudi shoppers indicating a willingness to pay more for quality products. British dairy, premium grocery items, and high-end snacks are particularly well-suited for this market. Additionally, high-end restaurants and hotels in the UAE and Saudi Arabia frequently reference the origin of their meat and fish, showcasing Scottish seafood and Welsh lamb as premium offerings.' Sarah Mooney concluded, 'The UK's food and drink industry has a long-standing and growing presence in the GCC, driven by strong demand for premium, sustainable, and high-quality products. The region presents exciting opportunities for UK businesses, particularly in sectors such as premium grocery, dairy, seafood, and non-alcoholic beverages. With the potential of a Free Trade Agreement on the horizon and continued investment in sustainable and innovative food production, we are confident that UK food and drink will remain a key player in the GCC market for years to come.'
