He wrote:
It is too simplistic to say that cutting livestock numbers everywhere is the most efficient way of reducing emissions, as your article ‘Reach ‘peak meat’ by 2030 to tackle climate crisis’ suggests.
The world’s livestock systems differ too significantly for them to be generalised, and doing so hinders the countries that are practicing sustainable farming methods and which have an ambition to do even more.
Compared to the mass-scale intensive systems in the US or Brazil, our livestock systems are unrecognisable. British farmers do not clear rainforest to make way for beef production. Our meat does not come from the ashes of the Amazon.
Grazing cattle is the most sustainable way to use the 65% of UK farmland which is unsuitable for growing any other crop. It is hugely beneficial for the soil and helps lock up carbon, and is the best way to turn inedible grass into highly nutritious protein for a growing population to enjoy.
What’s more, British farmers have an ambition to become net zero by 2040. We have an ambition to lead the way in climate-friendly meat and dairy and pave the way for others to follow. This needs to be recognised.
Stuart Roberts
NFU Vice President
Read The Guardian's article Reach ‘peak meat’ by 2030 to tackle climate crisis, say scientists.