Can we use true cost accounting to solve the big fat problem?

Richard Young

The True Cost of American FoodConference 2016

San Fransisco

What is the big fat problem?

• We have a insatiable demand for vegetable oils• The production of these oils is linked to

environmental pollution, degradation, loss of biodiversity, overuse of water and other non-renewable resources

• We have switched from animal fats to vegetable oils, but of itself this has not reduced the incidence of CHD/CVD but has increased deaths from cancer and arguably dementia

The problem with vegetable oils

Too much omega-6; too much environmental degradation, cost taxpayers dear through crop insurance• Soybean oil - degradation and pollution. 80% used in

food, the rest biodiesel; soy protein fuelling CAFOs and keeps price of oil low

• Canola oil largely responsible for the decline of pollinators: pesticides and monocultures

• Corn oil, linked to rise of obesity• Palm oil – horrendous environmental destruction and

pollution

But….

• Producing protein and fats (oils) from plants is more productive than from animals

• There are not enough animal fats to replace vegetable oils

• Livestock responsible for more GHG emissions than crop production per pound of protein

• So, how do we resolve this?

True Cost Accounting in Food and Agricultural policy-making

• 1. Recognise that we have been misled over saturated fat by a massive conspiracy orchestrated by the sugar and vegetable oils industries

• 2. Carry out a comprehensive, unbiased analysis of TCA impacts of different production systems: GHGs, soil C & N loss, degradation, biodiversity, non-renewable resource use, human health impacts including fatty acid and micronutrient profiles, social and cultural impacts

• 3. Monetise and calculate the best way forward

• Recognise that efficiency of cattle and pig production should be assessed on protein AND fat production

• End use of hormone growth promoters in cattle• End use of the beta-agonists in pigs• End all routine use of antibiotics• Slaughter animals at older ages• This would greatly increase supply of lard and

tallow

What might the future look like?

• Less land in corn, soy, canola and palm oil production

• Corn, soy and canola made more sustainable - with cover crops, more diverse rotations including grass, forage legumes and grazing livestock

• Processors only using palm oil from sustainable producers

• Grass again the basis of cattle feed, instead of grain – healthier fats plus carbon sequestration

Soil degradation: arable cropping leads to approx. 60% soil carbon loss (FAO)