Global shift to plant-based diets could cut agricultural labor by 28%.
A shift to plant-based diets could cut agricultural labor needs by up to 28% by 2030, creating new jobs in horticulture.
Why it matters
- The study highlights the significant impact dietary changes can have on agriculture and employment.
- Emphasizes the need for policy support to manage the transition.
By the numbers
- Reduction in agricultural labor needs by 5–28% (18–106 million jobs).
- Creation of 18–56 million new jobs in horticulture.
- Potential savings of $290–995 billion per year in labor costs.
The big picture
- Shift towards plant-based diets could lead to significant changes in agricultural employment.
- Transition could bring efficiency gains but requires policy support to ensure fairness.
What they're saying
- Comments reflect skepticism about job creation versus labor reduction.
- Questions about implementation and broader context of climate change and inequality.
Caveats
- The study is a modeling exercise; actual outcomes could vary based on real-world implementation and policy support.
What’s next
- Need for retraining, redeployment, and investment in horticultural production to support workers and rural communities.