This review article focuses on the practical implications for livestock farmers and their pastures of a shift towards a plant-based diet in the UK. The authors argue that the majority of pastures are unsuitable for conversion to arable land because of their soil type, making them unreliable sites for plant-based protein production.

This report, written by Jenny Chapman from the Churchill Fellowship, a UK fellowship programme which supports innovation across multiple fields and sectors, details concerns surrounding plant-based meat being “ultra-processed”. The author highlights how the “ultra-processed food” category, designed to identify if a food has been made in a factory or not, is being incorrectly used in nutrition science circles and has been used to suggest that all plant-based meat products are unhealthy.

A recent campaign launched by the DEFRA appointed Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has faced criticism for contradicting scientific evidence. Experts say, the 'Let's Eat Balanced' campaign, describes misleading information that ignores negative health impacts associated with meat and dairy-rich diets, and lacks adequate attention to environmental issues connected to heavy meat consumption.

Researchers identify, via a systematic review process, three major narratives that have emerged around the ‘protein transition’. These include the consumer narrative, the techno-centred narrative, and the socio-technological narrative. This paper explores the associated challenges and key policy priorities associated with each narrative.

This special Frontiers report from the UN environment program provides a discussion on the potential environmental, health, social and animal welfare implications of novel alternatives to animal products, including plant-based products, cultivated meat, and fermentation-derived products. 

Drawing on expertise from health, climate, biodiversity and animal welfare policy and science, this CABI Policy Forum argues current levels of animal product production and consumption threaten ‘One Health’ outcomes and presents the case for a just transition in animal agriculture. The report identifies five principles to guide policy makers in promoting a just transition from systems of industrial meat production and overconsumption.