Den Haag, 24-09-2024
In an era where the environmental impacts of our food choices are under scrutiny, the exploration of sustainable protein sources has gained urgency. A recent study from the "PPP True Price: from Insight to Action" consortium dives deep into the societal costs, or external costs, associated with cultivated meat from the farm compared to conventional meat. This analysis employs the True Cost Accounting (TCA) method to shed light on the potential benefits of cultivated meat, particularly in the context of the Netherlands. The report can be found here.
The main question posed in the study is whether the external costs of RESPECTfarms’ locally produced cultivated meat will be lower than those of traditional Dutch chicken, pig, and dairy cow meat by 2030. The findings are promising. The report indicates that, the overall external costs of cultivated meat are expected to be 2 to 3,5 times lower than those of conventional meat.
Source: LCA of cultivated meat, Pelle Sinke, Ingrid Odegard Delft, CE Delft, February 2021;
External costs of locally produced cultivated meat compared with three conventional Dutch meat products, Jonna Snoek, Pelle Sinke, Elsje Oosterkamp, Nikki Odenhoven 2024
One of the key insights from this research is highlighted by Jonna Snoek, a researcher in Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) at Wageningen Economic Research: “There is not one route to a more sustainable food system. We must take multiple paths to Rome. Cultivated meat offers the opportunity to, alongside a higher share of plant-based foods, make our animal food more sustainable.” This statement encapsulates the multifaceted approach needed to tackle food sustainability, recognizing that cultivated meat can play a pivotal role alongside plant-based diets.
Cultivated meat, which is produced by cultivating animal cells directly in fermenters, allows for a more efficient conversion of feed into meat without the need for raising livestock. Pelle Sinke, a researcher at CE Delft, emphasizes this point: “Cultivated meat provides a more efficient conversion of feed to meat, without manure. This leads to a significant reduction in nitrogen emissions and land use. With sustainable energy, CO2 emissions during production can be decreased.” This efficiency not only addresses environmental concerns but also aligns with the growing demand for protein in a world facing food insecurity.
The societal costs of meat production extend beyond environmental impacts. Conventional meat production contributes to various social issues, including animal welfare concerns and labor conditions in slaughterhouses. In contrast, cultivated meat production minimizes these concerns. The process requires only a small number of donor animals and eliminates the need for slaughter, thereby significantly reducing external animal welfare costs. This shift could lead to a more ethical and humane food system.
Source: External costs of locally produced cultivated meat compared with three conventional Dutch meat products Jonna Snoek, Pelle Sinke, Elsje Oosterkamp, Nikki Odenhoven, 2024
Moreover, as the study outlines, transitioning from conventional meat to cultivated meat is expected to decrease external costs related to air and water pollution, while promoting better land use. Although some externalities, such as fossil fuel depletion, may see an uptick, the overall impact is overwhelmingly positive. Here, the use of renewable energy sources in the production process is set to mitigate it, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reinforcing the sustainability of cultivated meat.
Source: External costs of locally produced cultivated meat compared with three conventional Dutch meat products Jonna Snoek, Pelle Sinke, Elsje Oosterkamp, Nikki Odenhoven, 2024
In summary, the findings from this report underscore the potential of cultivated meat as a viable alternative to conventional meat. By embracing this innovative technology, we can address pressing environmental challenges while providing a sustainable protein source for the future. The collaborative efforts of researchers, farmers, and policymakers will be crucial in realizing this vision. As we explore multiple pathways to sustainability, cultivated meat stands out as a promising solution in our quest for a more resilient food system.