richard young - the fat of the land
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Richard Young - The fat of the land](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062503/587fa90b1a28ab825e8b78ed/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Can we use true cost accounting to solve the big fat problem?
Richard Young
The True Cost of American FoodConference 2016
San Fransisco
![Page 2: Richard Young - The fat of the land](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062503/587fa90b1a28ab825e8b78ed/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
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
![Page 3: Richard Young - The fat of the land](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062503/587fa90b1a28ab825e8b78ed/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
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
![Page 4: Richard Young - The fat of the land](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062503/587fa90b1a28ab825e8b78ed/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
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?
![Page 5: Richard Young - The fat of the land](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062503/587fa90b1a28ab825e8b78ed/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
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
![Page 6: Richard Young - The fat of the land](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062503/587fa90b1a28ab825e8b78ed/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
• 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
![Page 7: Richard Young - The fat of the land](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062503/587fa90b1a28ab825e8b78ed/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
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
![Page 8: Richard Young - The fat of the land](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062503/587fa90b1a28ab825e8b78ed/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Soil degradation: arable cropping leads to approx. 60% soil carbon loss (FAO)
![Page 9: Richard Young - The fat of the land](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022062503/587fa90b1a28ab825e8b78ed/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)