A report commissioned by World Animal Protection and completed by Navius Research, shows the significant role that policies promoting plant-based agriculture can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and transforming Canada’s food system.
Capping emissions from agriculture is key to reaching Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals, the report said.
The study examines policy measures that can steer the country toward a more sustainable, low-emission agricultural future. The research found an agriculture emissions cap that requires a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 50% reduction by 2050 (from 2005 levels) would be highly effective at reducing emissions. This requirement would be less stringent than Canada’s economy-wide emission reduction targets (40-45% reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050).
This policy alone would be enough to get Canada back on track to hit its 2030 and 2050 climate targets, while still allowing for sustainable economic growth in the sector. The research also found that while a subsidy for plant-based proteins alone would not be effective at shifting consumption patterns, it could be effective in combination with other efforts such as labeling schemes and education programmes to promote the benefits of plant-based foods.
The report also says policies that limit the growth of the animal agriculture sector will help reduce emissions. To support the development of a more humane and sustainable food system, efforts should focus on transitioning away from intensive livestock operations (ILOs) and supporting regional small-scale operations. This would not only reduce emissions but also increase Canada’s regional food security – by having more food, more plant-based proteins and sustainable meat, produced closer to home.
“The cost of inaction is simply too great when our 2030 and 2050 climate goals are becoming further and further out of reach. These proposals are cost effective and serve as an excellent opportunity to transform our food system in a way that supports small-scale farmers using or adopting humane and sustainable practices and ensures Canada is implementing its latest Food Guide recommendations,” said Lynn Kavanagh, farming campaign manager for World Animal Protection Canada.
“We commend World Animal Protection’s leadership in commissioning this report to model actionable strategies for policy makers to reduce the climate impact of our food system. A shift to a plant-based system is crucial—not just to meet important climate goals, but to protect ecosystems, reduce biodiversity loss, and tackle public health issues like antibiotic resistance, chronic disease and pandemic risks. The time to act is now—for the future of our planet and all its inhabitants,” said Zahra Kassam, director/founder of Plant-Based Canada.
David Jenkins, professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto and the Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism, added: “In recognition that all forms of greenhouse gas emissions must be urgently reduced, a plant-based diet is an essential first step that must be taken by humanity. This transition must be linked to education in schools, salary costs and generous subsidies for farmers to transition to plant-based agriculture, tax breaks for the food industry to develop appropriate foods especially plant protein foods and dairy substitutes.”
