Throughout the world more and more governments are considering additional taxes on meat. But as of today only New Zealand and Germany have concrete plans for animal welfare levy or carbon emission taxes.
While livestock makes up about 15% of global emissions and is a major cause of deforestation, most meat suppliers haven’t done enough to analyze the climate impact on their operations. Companies may do well if they diversify away from animal products amid growing demand for plant-based meat and other alternatives. Meat taxes may be one the triggers needed to spark these diversifications.
Additional taxes, but also renewed attention to working conditions and biosecurity will most likely cause meat prices to rise in the longer term.