A report entitled, Accelerating the 10 Critical Transitions: Positive Tipping Points for Food and Land Use Systems Transformation has just been launched and it’s contention is that widespread acceptance of alternative proteins such as plant-based meat substitutes could resolve a lot of the world’s present problems.
The report, produced by the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), SYSTEMIQ and the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter, says a plant-based consumption tipping point could tip the scales in accelerating decarbonisation and improving food security while creating more inclusive and resilient rural economies.
Momentum behind flexitarian diet
As it stands, the rapid increase in consumption of plant-based alternatives to meat is not being matched by reduction in meat consumption, but the authors believe the tipping point scenario is plausible. The evidence lies in demographics.
25% of Europeans now consider themselves flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan and if their numbers continue to rise, intense livestock production could go into decline. As a result, the researchers conclude, farmers would then focus on less intensive practices that help protect and restore nature.
The optimism behind the science is justified. In terms of the evolution of the food industry, arguably we are only in the foothills of what is achievable for plant-based food options.
As innovators continue to improve taste and nutritional content, products become more affordable and social acceptance grows, it seems likely that ever more health-conscious consumers will tilt into the majority.

Malachy Mitchell is co-founder and Managing Director of Farrelly & Mitchell. He works with CEOs, executives and leaders from private enterprises and public sector institutions helping to grow their food sector companies and agribusinesses.
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Could plant-based foods be tipping point for food and climate security?
The global increase in consumption of plant-based proteins is being seen as a potential lever for improving food security while combating climate change.
A report entitled, Accelerating the 10 Critical Transitions: Positive Tipping Points for Food and Land Use Systems Transformation has just been launched and it’s contention is that widespread acceptance of alternative proteins such as plant-based meat substitutes could resolve a lot of the world’s present problems.
The report, produced by the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), SYSTEMIQ and the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter, says a plant-based consumption tipping point could tip the scales in accelerating decarbonisation and improving food security while creating more inclusive and resilient rural economies.
Momentum behind flexitarian diet
As it stands, the rapid increase in consumption of plant-based alternatives to meat is not being matched by reduction in meat consumption, but the authors believe the tipping point scenario is plausible. The evidence lies in demographics.
25% of Europeans now consider themselves flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan and if their numbers continue to rise, intense livestock production could go into decline. As a result, the researchers conclude, farmers would then focus on less intensive practices that help protect and restore nature.
The optimism behind the science is justified. In terms of the evolution of the food industry, arguably we are only in the foothills of what is achievable for plant-based food options.
As innovators continue to improve taste and nutritional content, products become more affordable and social acceptance grows, it seems likely that ever more health-conscious consumers will tilt into the majority.

Malachy Mitchell is co-founder and Managing Director of Farrelly & Mitchell. He works with CEOs, executives and leaders from private enterprises and public sector institutions helping to grow their food sector companies and agribusinesses.
Subcribe today
Stay up to date with the latest agribusiness blog, Insights, and more sent straight to your inbox.
Malachy Mitchell's featured publications
Government & multilaterals
TAG food management targets profitable growth in local food & beverage
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The cost of living crisis: Inflation, price caps and the road to food security
Insect protein, how can companies overcome the ‘yuck’ factor?
Insect protein, how can companies overcome the ‘yuck’ factor?
Food & beverage
The rise of agriculture as an institutional asset class
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BBC report draws on Farrelly & Mitchell analysis of COVID-19 impact in Arab nations
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Supply chains & food security: assessing the impact of disruptive forces
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Is Covid-19 accelerating ESG investment in food and agribusiness?
Is Covid-19 accelerating ESG investment in food and agribusiness?
Government & multilaterals
TAG food management targets profitable growth in local food & beverage
Food safety & security
The cost of living crisis: Inflation, price caps and the road to food security
Insect protein, how can companies overcome the ‘yuck’ factor?
Insect protein, how can companies overcome the ‘yuck’ factor?
Food & beverage
The rise of agriculture as an institutional asset class
Food safety & security
BBC report draws on Farrelly & Mitchell analysis of COVID-19 impact in Arab nations
Food safety & security
Supply chains & food security: assessing the impact of disruptive forces
Food safety & security
Farrelly & Mitchell analysis: Lebanon explosion exposes lack of food security plan
Is Covid-19 accelerating ESG investment in food and agribusiness?
Is Covid-19 accelerating ESG investment in food and agribusiness?
Government & multilaterals