The report is likely to stem from the U.S. Department for Agriculture (USDA). USDA is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal government policy on farming, agriculture, forestry, and food. The Agency aims to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers, promote agricultural trade and production, work to assure food safety, protect natural resources, foster rural communities and end hunger in the U.S.
While the USDA works with farmers, the farming community are upset about some anticipated new proposals. These proposals, according to Food Dive, are:
Reports have surfaced that the advisory panel for the USDA’s upcoming dietary guidelines may recommend less meat consumption, to the dismay of meat producers.
The panel is thought to be considering the environmental impact of the standard diet as opposed to just the health benefits for humans.
This recommendation may be due to studies that show meat consumption leaves a large carbon footprint as compared to more plant-based diets.
Importantly, the USDA has previously recommended that consumers eat leaner rather than less meat. However, it could be, according to The Washington Post, that the environmental concerns have escalated to the degree that the USDA to include less meat consumption in its upcoming dietary guidelines. These guidelines are issued every five years.
