A Senate inquiry has been called into whether vegan or vegetarian "fake meat" products can be labelled meat. Truth in labelling is a cross-commodity issue for NSW Farmers, affecting industries from beef to dairy. We have spearheaded calls for plant-based beverages to be labelled truthfully and to forego the term milk where dairy has not been used, and for plant-based meat 'alternatives' to use accurate labelling.
The NSW Farmers' position on food labelling is based on truth and transparency. Typically, plant or nut based 'alternatives' to meat and milk do not carry the same or a comparable natural nutrient profile to their animal-based counterparts. Consumers should not be misled around the nutritional offerings of meat or milk replacements in their burger or coffee.
Concerns have rightly been raised in the farming community around the use of terms synonymous with livestock production on unrelated products. Market recognition of household terms has been capitalised on to promote items such as almond milk and fake meat.
NSW Farmers does not oppose the production of plant-based alternatives. We recognise the important role the burgeoning alternative protein field will have in meeting growing global protein demand, as well as the opportunities it presents to producers as these industries develop.
The importance of clear food labelling extends beyond the milk and meat name debate and includes issues relating to Country of Origin Labelling. The fact that around 75 per cent of processed pork products sold in Australia are imported testifies to the fact that greater awareness is needed around our Country of Origin Labelling.
Food labelling has a powerful influence on consumer choice, which is the ultimate driver of farm profitability. Farmers and consumers alike deserve accurate food labelling, and the upcoming Senate inquiry provides an opportunity to highlight this.
- James Jackson, NSW Farmers president
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