The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released an article urging a radical overhaul of the global food system, advocating for the adoption of “animal-free” products as part of a broader strategy to improve both human and environmental health. The WEF, known for its influential role in shaping global policies, proposes a two-step plan aimed at transforming food production practices.

Juliana Weltman Glezer, a Project Fellow at the WEF, authored the article titled “Feeding the future: why Renovation and Reinvention are key to saving our food system.” In it, she discusses the significant environmental impact of current food production methods and predicts a 60% rise in food demand as the global population reaches 10 billion.

Glezer argues that the way food is grown, manufactured, and consumed is causing a dual crisis in human and environmental health. She calls for a food transition that would fundamentally reshape the food production system, likening this transformation to the global shift towards renewable energy.

The proposed two-step plan consists of Renovation and Reinvention. Renovation involves making gradual improvements in the food value chain, such as reducing harmful ingredients like salt, sugar, fat, and additives. This step aims to mitigate negative health impacts by reformulating nutritional content. “Renovation could also mean adding probiotics to an existing product to improve microbiome health,” Glezer writes.

Reinvention, the second step, focuses on systemic changes in food production. Glezer highlights companies like Nestlé, which have developed “animal-free protein powder” through fermentation, producing a product identical to whey protein from cow’s milk. This innovation is praised as a key development in creating a more sustainable food system.

The WEF’s call for a reinvention of the food system comes amidst growing concerns about climate change and sustainability. The organization has previously faced criticism for its progressive proposals, such as advocating for the consumption of insects to reduce climate change. However, this latest article emphasizes the need for significant changes to address the environmental impact of food production.

As the WEF continues to push for these reforms, the discussion around sustainable food production is expected to grow, with potential significant impacts on global agricultural practices and public health policies.