Canada’s food system must shift to sustainable farming and plant-based diets to meet climate goals

A new report commissioned by World Animal Protection and conducted by Navius Research underscores the critical role of sustainable agriculture and plant-based diets in addressing climate change. The study identifies targeted policy measures that could transform Canada’s food system, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while supporting economic growth and regional food security.

The report’s central recommendation is an agricultural emissions cap, requiring a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 and 50% by 2050 (from 2005 levels). This target is less stringent than Canada’s economy-wide emission goals but sufficient to put the country back on track to meet its climate commitments. According to the study, implementing this cap would significantly lower agricultural emissions while fostering a more sustainable and humane food system.

The report emphasizes that reducing the dominance of intensive livestock operations (ILOs) is key. Transitioning towards regional, small-scale animal agriculture and increasing plant-based food production would not only reduce emissions but also improve Canada’s food security by localizing food production. While a subsidy for plant-based proteins alone may have limited impact, combining it with strategies such as educational programs and clear labeling schemes could effectively shift consumer habits toward plant-based diets. These measures align with Canada’s Food Guide recommendations, which already advocate for more plant-based foods.

Experts agree that systemic changes in food production and policy are essential. Lynn Kavanagh, Farming Campaign Manager for World Animal Protection Canada, highlighted the economic and environmental urgency. "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 humane and sustainable practices."

Dr Zahra Kassam, Director of Plant-Based Canada, echoed the importance of a plant-based transition. "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."

Dr David Jenkins, Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism, stressed the need for comprehensive support. "This transition must be linked to education in schools, subsidies for farmers transitioning to plant-based agriculture, and tax breaks for the food industry to develop appropriate plant-protein foods and dairy substitutes."

The findings point to multiple co-benefits of these shifts. Limiting land expansion for livestock feed reduces habitat loss and biodiversity threats, while decreasing reliance on livestock farming addresses issues like antibiotic resistance and chronic disease prevalence. Supporting local, sustainable food production also enhances food security and reduces vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.

Dr Eleanor Boyle, author of High Steaks: Why and How to Eat Less Meat, commended the actionable nature of the report. "Specific, practical, and optimistic, the report outlines real policy steps that can transform food systems while benefiting farmers, consumers, animals, and ecosystems."

Similarly, Manitoba pig farmer Bill Massey reinforced the agricultural sector’s role."By promoting plant-based food production and limiting animal agriculture to small-scale, higher-welfare systems, we can protect our land and livelihoods. It’s time to embrace innovative practices that ensure a sustainable food system for all."