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Is there a win-win scenario with both limited beef production and reduced beef consumption?

Author

Listed:
  • Alban Thomas

    (TSE-R - Toulouse School of Economics - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - UT - Université de Toulouse - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

Abstract

In the scientific literature, the debate on health and environmental benefits of a reduction in the share of animal-sourced food, in particular beef, in consumer diets is mostly focused on demand-side vs. supply transitions. We claim in this paper that a win-win scenario may exist where consumer preferences towards quality meat in diets are accompanied by a transition in livestock production systems towards a separating equilibrium in meat quality. Lower beef consumption per head, of higher quality and lower environmental impact, may co-exist with lower-quality beef production for exports. We examine the credibility of the win-win scenario, by detailing conditions related to determinants for reduced beef consumption, productivity gains, innovation in quality and environmental impacts at the global scale. We propose a set of research priorities and recommendations for policy makers. Policies that are best suited for accompanying transition in food and livestock production system can be identified by a cost-benefit analysis at the global scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Alban Thomas, 2020. "Is there a win-win scenario with both limited beef production and reduced beef consumption?," Working Papers hal-02790948, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-02790948
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    References listed on IDEAS

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