We all know that meat production can have a negative impact on the environment due to emissions from livestock, transportation and packaging processes and that many farmers in the organic industry are working hard to mitigate some of the issues with conventional farming. However, there are some companies out there who are completely flipping the script on meat products in an attempt to help the environment and that is plant-based meats. 

A lot of different people have different opinions on plant-based meats. Maybe you’ve heard that tofu and soy products require more water to produce than animal meat, or maybe you’ve read that plant-based meats produce less Co2. In that case, which is more important? For people who are conscious about their impact on the environment, which is the right choice? If you’re here, you probably enjoy eating good, high-quality animal meat but are trying to improve your health, protect the environment and let animals live a fair life. Don’t worry, you don’t need to give up delicious steaks, sausages, briskets and burgers if you don’t want to. No step towards sustainability is perfect but they all make a difference.

For example, it is true that plant-based meat reduces emissions, eradicates the “middle-man” of animal farming — so instead of using water, land and resources to grow food to feed the animals to eat, we skip feeding the animals and just eat the food we’ve grown in the first place — and does not produce as much harmful wastage. There’s also concerns about the legitimacy of the claim that it takes less water to grow soy proteins, the need for pesticides and chemicals to keep the crop safe from pests, and the large plots of land it takes to grow produce and meet the rising demand for plant-based products. There are also concerns about the health impact on plant-based meats which are debated by different groups of experts. 

Regenerative Agriculture 

Organic meat farms like the family farm we work with at Sunshine Coast Organic Meats prioritise soil health and biodiversity. By rotating livestock and keeping numbers low, these farms contribute to soil regeneration, reducing erosion and improving water retention. 

Natural Resource Efficiency
Compared to plant-based alternatives, organic meat production can be more resource-efficient. Livestock can graze on land that is unsuitable for crop cultivation, using otherwise unusable land.

Conservation of Biodiversity
Organic meat farms maintain diverse pastures and natural habitats, providing a safe and undisrupted home for a variety of species. Protecting and preserving these ecosystems contributes to the overall health of the environment for long-term ecological sustainability. 

Reduced Dependence on Chemicals
Organic meat production prohibits the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and antibiotics. This not only minimises chemical runoff into water bodies but also reduces the overall environmental burden associated with chemical usage.

Whatever you decide to do, it is best to be aware of the impact it has and do your best to make a difference. Eating organic meat is a perfectly important way to make a difference for the Earth and your community.