Regenerative Agriculture vs. Fake Meat Brands: Looking for Truth behind Ethical Food Production

Until now, I have never written about the fake meat companies. Interestingly, their mission is similar to regenerative agriculture. To provide ethical production of food that tastes good, is nutritious, and reduces the negative environmental impact caused by conventional agriculture. 

Is there a difference? What is it and why have the fake meat brands been struggling?

The fake meat industry

The fake meat company Beyond Meat has suffered multiple class-action lawsuits over the last couple years. Everything from misleading labels about protein content to misleading investors on market potential.

To make matters worse, they are currently struggling with record low stock prices, mounting inventory and rising costs. Not a good recipe for company success. 

I think they misread their market.

They are attempting to sell to you. To a health-conscious consumer. Someone who wants quality, delicious food. Food that does good for generations. Meat without industrial additives. 

You care about the environment and want your food choices to reflect that concern. You want a clean world for your kids. 

You seem to have some concerns with the fake meat industry. You care more about actions than fancy mission statements. 

Yes, the fake options have positive environmental claims. But what about the tillage, topsoil loss and loss of animal habitat in the industrial production of grains for their burgers?

The fake-meat industry makes health claims, but we have no long-term data to support the protein compounds that make their meat. 

"This meat has added vitamins and minerals". But we need more than that little list for human health. Consumers like you are worried about slick marketing covering gray areas and unsubstantiated claims. 

Regenerative agriculture in comparison

If you are like me, you wonder, "Why do I need a large corporate answer to questions that seem to already have answers?" Questions that are being answered in regenerative agriculture.

The literal grassroots movement of farms that are intentionally choosing farming practices that heal is a far better answer to the problems seen in our food industry today then cobbling up an ultra-processed, high-waste, high-input, fake-food alternative. 

Big companies fail when consumers don't buy. If you care about a clean, healthy world that tastes good for you and the generations to follow, vote with your food purchases. 

Find a small regenerative farm that meets your needs and that you can trust. They may not have everything perfect, but is it better? Do they care because they are actually the ones caring for the animals and working the land? Can they tell you about what they are doing for good? 

No farmer I know has everything perfect. We are learning every day. We keep finding new ways to farm in a more responsible fashion. Thanks for sticking with us on the journey. 

We are so fortunate to have a plethora of small, regenerative farming options here in Wisconsin. There is something for everyone. But the movement needs to grow and spread. As it spreads the resiliency of our food system strengthens. Our health improves. And our environment grows richer!

Thanks for all you do!