US meat eaters driven by health, not eco concerns

Nov 12, 2024
By Farms.com

Rutgers finds health tops sustainability in meat choices

Recent findings from Rutgers University indicate that environmental sustainability has minimal influence on Americans' meat consumption decisions.

The study, involving more than 1,200 adults, suggests that health concerns and price significantly outweigh environmental considerations.

According to the research, published in Appetite, 78% of respondents consume red meat weekly, but nearly 70% have reduced their intake primarily for health (64%) and price (32%) reasons, with only a small fraction (6%) motivated by environmental concerns.

The study also revealed that health (85%) and taste (84%) are the most crucial factors for consumers when purchasing meat, compared to environmental sustainability (29%) and animal welfare (28%).

Notably, demographic trends show that older adults and females are more inclined to consider health and environmental impacts in their dietary choices.

Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.