Veganuary is a popular way in which people can try out a new diet, that at the same time, gives them a sense of well-being whilst also being a climate champion.  

Yet, as the years have passed, the UK’s diet has continued to heavily feature meat and dairy products, in fact our consumption of animal products has risen year on year.  

According to the Government’s latest Food Security report, milk production has increased by +1.59%, meat +3.85% and eggs +0.77% worldwide.

Every year millions of animals are farmed, caged, mutilated and slaughtered – all for us to eat. Although some animals may be reared in higher welfare systems, the vast majority remain confined in intensive systems, often unable to go outdoors or express their natural behaviours. 

Tthese systems are also a direct contributor to climate change. Between 2015 and 2019 the amount of land globally which was reported as being degraded (usually as a result of farming and deforestation) increased from 11.3% to 15.5%. Animal agriculture is estimated to contribute to a third of global manmade methane emissions and is often completely disregarded when it comes to government pledges to address climate change.

The UK is highly dependent on imports to meet consumer demand for fruit, vegetables and seafood, which are significant sources of micronutrients for consumers. 

But is there is an opportunity here, for UK farmers to switch to horticulture instead of depending on livestock farming to grow our resilience? Yes. But, there is a danger

The UK is seeing a long- term decline in its natural capital, which is a pressing risk to UK food production. Without biodiversity, healthy soils and clean water, we cannot expect to have a productive or sustainable food systems, and so the Government must act now to protect nature, and give us food security.

Reducing meat and dairy consumption and switching to a more plant-based diet can make a difference – to your health, the welfare of animals, and the wellbeing of the planet.

Food is a necessity, and we know it can be a complex issue. But its also something that is influenced by our environment, our culture and where you grow up in the world. The global north eats far more meat and dairy products than the global south, and our FOUR PAWS meat exhaustion report from 2023 showed that the UK is consuming its annual recommended meat quota by April (well before the global average consumption date of June).

The fact is, we are eating far more meat than we need to have a healthy diet and the impact of this is catastrophic. If we can create a mind shift away from such a high dependence on meat and dairy, we could not only improve our health by eating more of what we should be (fruits, vegetables and pulses) and less of what we don’t, but we can also be actively contributing to a world where fewer animals are farmed, and less of the environment is degraded for agriculture.

So, I ask you today, to think about your diet and consider giving something like Veganuary a go. To help you on your way, check out some of our delicious and creative recipes which hopefully will inspire you to see plant-based food in a different light.  

Small steps all add up and although you might not see it, change is possible. That’s why we will continue to work closely with the Government to call for a transformation in our food and farming systems – away from intensive agriculture and towards more ethical and sustainable practices. We won’t give up the fight and we know that change can happen.