Clear Seas Research

Time Magazine recently published an article with the Head of the U.N. Panel on Climate Control citing the need for people to reduce meat consumption by one day per week to reduce global warming. To gauge industry reaction, Clear Seas Research surveyed (meat) industry insiders to gauge their response to this recent publicity.

The Results

Overall, industry insiders are split on whether to be concerned about this publicity and express indecision about the possible effects on the industry overall. One-in-five believe it is ‘very likely’ that meat will be taxed at a higher rate as a result of the publicity, while one-in-ten believe there will be no effect on the meat industry. One effect that experts do not believe will occur (by an overwhelming margin of 79%) is that U.S. Consumers will make a conscious effort to consume less meat. Although processors do not expect consumers to change their eating habits, four-of-five do agree that the meat industry should work to become more environmentally conscious.    

Industry Comments

“My thoughts on the subject - the need for beef is very high & there are many more contributing factors to global warming that could be controlled much more economically”

“Typical biased and one-sided reporting. . . no mention of the benefits of eating red meat and the value these animals have on the environment.”

“Good for the industry in the long run à lower consumption of higher quality, higher cost product - benefits both environment and the bottom-line.”

“I think he forgot that there use to be about the same # of buffalo roaming this earth - we just traded buffalo for cattle. If this guy really wants to get a warm and fuzzy feeling he needs to go to China and preach to them about their gases. Most of the acres being grazed by cattle can't be farmed. Where does he want us to raise the extra grains that we'll need when we cut back on cattle numbers?!”