Study Reveals Which Animal Products Are Most Vulnerable to Competition From Cultivated Alternatives

A study conducted by The James Hutton Institute and Norway’s Ruralis Institute for Rural and Regional Research has examined the impact of introducing cultivated proteins and a carbon tax into the food system. The research, focusing on Norway, found that beef, lamb, milk, and eggs are more vulnerable to competition from cultivated alternatives than chicken and pork, with or without a carbon tax. The study suggests that the rapid decrease in market share for animal products would be greater if a carbon tax were implemented, as the cost of these products would significantly increase.

The study highlights that support payments to the livestock sector in many countries may hinder the ability of cultivated alternatives to compete on price. However, advancements in technology such as reductions in the cost of cell culture media and improvements in bioreactors are making cultivated products increasingly viable. The study emphasizes the need for careful planning to address the potential disruptions that cultivated proteins may have on livestock farming and rural livelihoods, especially for sheep and cattle rearing.