Weight-loss drugs and our dinner plates: How they could re-shape farming
Will the use of weigh loss injection shape farming in the future? (Stock image)
By Krista Schade
A quiet revolution is brewing in the world of food, and it's not happening in the paddocks – it's in the pharmacies.
New weight-loss drugs, like the much-talked-about Ozempic, are not only helping individuals shed pounds but are also prompting experts to consider a seismic shift in our food systems, potentially even more significant than the impacts of climate change.
AgriFutures Australia, formerly known as the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), is an Australian statutory corporation established by the Australian Government in 1990.
Its primary goal is to fund research and development (R&D) that benefits Australian rural industries and communities. They aim to improve the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of these industries.
An article from AgriFutures Australia evokeAG website, titled "What weight-loss drugs like Ozempic mean for food systems and farmers," delves into this fascinating intersection.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Ozempic or Wegovy work by mimicking a gut hormone that suppresses appetite and promotes feelings of fullness.
This leads to reduced food intake, and as their use becomes more widespread, the implications for agriculture and our local food economies become increasingly apparent.
According to evokeAG, a key concern is the potential for a significant decrease in overall food consumption. They cite predictions suggesting that in the United States, food demand could fall by as much as 10%.
This is a sobering thought for local farmers who rely on consistent demand for their produce and livestock.
"If GLP-1 drugs take off as many expect, total food consumption in the U.S. could fall by as much as 10%," the article states.
Beyond just the quantity of food consumed, the type of food people eat could also undergo a transformation.
The evokeAG article highlights that individuals using these medications often report a reduced desire for sugary and processed foods, gravitating instead towards healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
This shift in dietary preferences could be a boon for local growers specialising in fresh produce and those raising poultry or other lean meats.
Conversely, there might be a decreased demand for commodities like beef and the grains that form the base of many processed foods.
What does this mean for the familiar landscape of our rural community?
Australian farmers might see fluctuating demands for their crops and livestock.
For instance, the evokeAG article suggests that "farmers producing row crops like corn and soybeans, which are heavily used in processed foods, could see demand soften."
This could put pressure on prices and potentially necessitate a diversification of crops or a shift towards supplying the increasing demand for fresh, whole foods.
The article also touches on the potential for innovation within the food industry. As people prioritise healthier eating while on these medications, food companies might adapt by offering smaller portion sizes or reformulating products to be higher in protein and fibre.
This could open up new avenues for local food producers who are nimble and can cater to these evolving consumer needs.
The evokeAG piece also raises an interesting point about the environmental impact of GLP-1 medication use; A decrease in overall food consumption could lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions often associated with intensive agriculture.
The article highlights one fact - the rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic presents a complex web of challenges and opportunities for our local food systems and farmers.
As the evokeAG article aptly points out, the ripple effects of these medications could reshape what we grow, what we eat, and even the environmental footprint of our food production.
