16 May 2024
MEDIA ALERT
Food Frontier report urges government action to overhaul food systems for economic, health, and environmental gains
In a report directed towards governments, Food Frontier outlines the economic, public health, and environmental justifications for overhauling our food production, distribution, and consumption systems.
The Alternative proteins and Australian food systems transformation report underscores the potential repercussions of inaction, emphasising Australia’s vulnerability to missing out on market opportunities and falling behind in the global arena.
It lists recommendations that federal and state and territory governments can adopt to build resilience and prosperity in our food system.
Food Frontier CEO Dr Simon Eassom said Australia must implement support mechanisms for more sustainable foods if it is to achieve its climate change targets and remain a global food leader.
“We are now seeing many governments around the world putting policies in place to mitigate climate change. As citizens themselves take effective action, as seen recently in Switzerland, governments will come under increasing pressure to address all areas of concern, including food production.
“This report is not about pointing fingers; it’s about recognising the need for a coordinated approach across all protein industries. We hope decision-makers will find it useful and implement its suggested actions.
“We know current global food systems, which rely heavily on animal agriculture, are responsible for between one-quarter and one-third of all global greenhouse gas emissions. Feeding a growing global population, expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and meeting increased demand for high quality protein will require us to provide a diversified range of protein-rich food in a more sustainable way. Australia has people and businesses with the skills and will to develop alternative protein supplies, but they need support.”
Amongst the list of recommendations is to install a national food minister and develop a national food plan. Both were previously recommended in 2023 by a federal committee responsible for an inquiry into food security in Australia.
The report is also useful to organisations working towards climate change solutions with decision makers and who need information about food systems.
The Alternative proteins and Australian food systems transformation report is available here.
Media contact:
Kathy Cogo, Head of Communications and Marketing, Food Frontier kathy@foodfrontier.org,
0466 015 183.
About
Food Frontier is the independent think tank on alternative proteins in Australia and New Zealand. Funded by grants and donations, our work is growing our region’s protein supply with new, sustainable and nutritious options that create value for businesses, farmers and consumers.