Earth Day at the table...from almonds to alternative meats

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As the "Eco lifestyle," which pursues ethical consumption and a healthy lifestyle, has emerged as a trend, more and more consumers are practicing environmental protection in their daily lives. Voices of 'good consumption' that purchase eco-friendly products, including reducing plastic, are increasing. This interest is also evident in the food sector. It seems to be leading to the worldwide vegetarian craze or the purchase of food by companies that want to minimize environmental damage. The perception that food is closely related to the global environment is spreading.



[Photo = Honeybees on almond flowers/Provided by California Almonds Association]

▶ Honeybees, the guardian of the Earth's ecosystem, = Almonds are the most popular food to recall the global environment on the occasion of Earth Day on the 22nd. Because of the special relationship with honeybees that are disappearing due to environmental pollution. Almonds are food that is 100 percent dependent on honeybees and are absolutely affected by honeybees. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), 71 percent of the 100 major crops, which account for 90 percent of the world's food, pollinate honeybees by medium. This includes almonds, apples, onions, and many other ingredients. Therefore, the disappearance of honeybees reduces the amount of fruit that opens through moisture, which can soon lead to a chain of ecological disturbances and serious food problems. That's why scientists around the world have been trying to protect the honeybee population for decades. In fact, there is a phenomenon of concern in Korea. According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI), domestic honey production plunged 60.7 percent to 9,685 tons last year from 24,614 tons in 2014.

Almonds represent the powerful influence of bees, but they are also representative crops that help increase the number of bees. Almond flowers on farms in California, U.S., bloom early in February to provide their first meal to honeybees who endured the harsh winter. All winter hungry honeybees get energy to pollinate numerous crops throughout the year, consuming nutritious almond pollen and honey. The association-level efforts are also accompanied by efforts to pay attention to the special symbiotic relationship between almond trees and honeybees. The Honey Bee Health Care Program (BMPs), established by the California Almond Association, is a project joined by universities, government agencies, NGOs and beekeeping industries, which is the basis for various honeybee-related research. After "Earth Day" in April, "World Honeybees Day" awaits. In order to protect the food we need and save the Earth, the United Nations member states unanimously set May 20 every year.



[Photo=Plastic Meat of Impossible Food]

▶Fake meat to reduce greenhouse gases = Fake meat food, also known as "fake meat," is drawing attention to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main culprits of environmental pollution. The factory-style livestock industry has been cited for not only greenhouse gas emissions, but also for unethical slaughter methods and consumption resources, and has been cited as a target for reducing consumption for the global environment. According to a study published in the journal Science last year, 83 percent of the world's agricultural land is used by livestock farmers, and 60 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions are generated by livestock farmers. With the emergence of environmental problems in the livestock industry, the alternative meat market has been growing rapidly recently. There are also various types of "100% vegetable meat" extracted from soybeans and mushrooms, and artificial meat grown in laboratories using stem cells from livestock. More and more food companies have entered the alternative meat market. Recently, a burger made of vegetable meat was released at Burger King, drawing attention. Burger King applied vegetable meat from the U.S. food technology company Impossible Food to its signature menu, Wafer. Hamburger patties look like red meat, but they are "fake meat" made from vegetable ingredients such as wheat, potatoes and almonds.


[Photo = Lotte Food's alternative meat brand 'Ennature Zero Meat']

Competition for alternative meat is also taking place in Korea. Following Dongwon F&B's exclusive contract with Beyond Meat in the U.S., Lotte Food launched its alternative meat brand "Ennature Zero Meat." The company is determined to continue to invest in alternative meat businesses and expand its brand.

The alternative meat market, which can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use and resource consumption, is expected to continue to grow. Allied Market Research, a U.S. market research firm, predicted that the size of the market will increase to 7.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, when alternative meat consumption will increase.

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