🍽🍃 Sustainability is Going To Become Much More Expensive

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Sustainability is Going To Become Much More Expensive

So, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization just dropped a bombshell: the global food system is costing us a whopping $12.7 trillion, like 10% of the whole world's cash flow. Most of that bill, about 73%, comes from health issues—think obesity and diseases. The environment kicks in over 20%.

Low-income countries are taking on almost half of these costs, mainly thanks to poverty. That's a heavy 27% of their money stuff, compared to the 8% in the richer nations.

Here's where it gets interesting. Take chocolate, for example. The cacao that makes our favorite treat is mostly grown in West Africa. But here's the kicker: the farmers there get peanuts for their hard work. Meanwhile, we're over here in Europe munching on chocolate bars. The fix? Maybe we cut back on our chocolate craze but pay a bit more for the good stuff. It could help our health and put more money where it's due—in the pockets of West African farmers.

But there's a twist. When we start shuffling things around globally, there's a risk of environmental problems elsewhere. The report's big on saying we need a mix of fixes: governments doing their thing, people making healthier choices, and the food industry stepping up. Over 80% of the hidden costs in rich countries? Blame it on unhealthy diets. So, the Food and Ag peeps are gearing up for their next report, promising some real-life examples to help countries figure out the real cost of their food game.

Something tells us that those solutions will require eating less and creating more processes which will ultimately raise the prices everywhere. As we move to a more sustainable food system, one needs to consider what that does to the whole population's economic aspect. Are only the rich going to eat well? Are the poor going to get more sick? Is the “sustainability“ worth it if that is the case?

The issue is complex but just because of that restaurant industry should consider starting to make significant examples of how would a sustainable diet work and not just hide behind the word sustainability and use it for marketing services.

Get Ready For Zebra Ribeyes

South Africa is laying down a plan to boost its wildlife industry, aiming to export more zebra, crocodile, and other meats while encouraging local consumption. In a savvy move, a new law is set to formalize an industry where 80% of wild animals are on private land, making them the property of landholders and giving them a market value. This legal twist has actually increased game numbers.

Until now, there's been little formal sale of game meat, with only 3,000 tons of zebra, crocodile, and ostrich meat making its way to the United Arab Emirates, China, and the EU in 2019. The meat is getting attention for being leaner compared to traditional choices like beef and lamb.

The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment believes that if the strategy is executed well, it could generate a whopping 202,000 jobs by 2030. They're eyeing a growing market of health-conscious consumers who want sustainably sourced products to contribute to biodiversity and community development while being easier on the environment. The department points out that South Africa's game meat industry is perfectly positioned to meet this demand locally and internationally.

Highlighting the potential, the strategy emphasizes the significant number of wild animals—16 million of them—on farms, with plans to promote meat consumption. In 2016, nearly 180,000 of these animals could have been sold for consumption, setting the stage for a game-changing approach to wildlife and the job market. It's a bold move that aligns with the evolving tastes and values of a conscious consumer base.

Elements of the strategy, which has been approved by the cabinet, include almost doubling the amount of game meat production to more than 100,000 t annually by 2030 and ensuring that 85% is fit for human consumption, up from 10% currently. A shift away from hunting to commercial production will be encouraged and abattoirs will be set up.

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Weekly Angry Chef Meme