The production of meat and dairy is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases (GHGs), responsible for 20-50% of all manufactured GHGs. New Zealand is one of the many countries called upon to introduce a tax on meat and dairy. This is in hopes that it will effectively lower GHG emissions.
The True Animal Protein Price Coalition is an organisation based in Europe that urges countries to raise prices for meat and dairy. However, just increasing the price of protein based on the impact of the environment may not help cut emissions and could potentially spark outrage among meat-eaters.
Some researchers say that there would be benefits of raising prices for meat and dairy. More plant-based consumption would also ultimately lower national spending in healthcare. A study says that “The internalisation of external costs would also likely result in a lowered amount of thrown away food as appreciation for food would rise with its increased monetary value.” However, these changes can negatively affect some low-income households if the cost of healthier, green options are not lowered in turn.
This proposition will be discussed in November 2021 although the New Zealand government has previously decided against any action in taxing specifically protein and dairy products. Production in New Zealand is efficient compared to those overseas.
Currently, the social and environmental costs of GHG emissions are not factors currently considered by farmers when considering their cost structures. This results in the impact and costs of farming protein and dairy lands on the environment and future generations.
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