November 13, 2024
Global experts convene at US summit to examine meat and livestock's role in society
Global scientists and experts recently convened at a US summit to discuss the current research and application related to the role of meat and livestock in society, hosted by the Colorado State University (CSU) Centre for Meat Safety & Quality (CMSQ) and partly funded by a US Department of Agriculture grant.
The summit addressed topics such as sustainable production, nutrition, ecology, and innovation. It also aimed to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, building on the outcomes of the 2022 Dublin meeting, which produced the influential "Dublin Declaration of Scientists."
In health and nutrition, discussions focused on addressing malnutrition in both low- and high-income populations. The role of animal-source foods in supporting balanced dietary patterns was highlighted as a critical component of achieving nutrition goals.
The summit also explored technological advancements, such as improvements in animal welfare, genetic innovations, and sustainable production practices. Broader topics, including food security, policy, and consumer communication, were also examined.
Participants also reviewed findings on ecology and the environment. Scientists evaluated livestock's ecological impact, including its contributions to soil health, biodiversity, and carbon management. Sustainable grazing and environmental stewardship strategies were key points of discussion.
The programme began with a keynote on Health and Nutrition by Frédéric Leroy, a researcher from Vrije Universiteit, Brussel, Belgium. Dr Leroy reviewed developments since the 2022 International Summit in Dublin and discussed how research and policies continue to reshape global views on animal-source foods in sustainable diets.
"Balancing nutrient density and food processing levels are crucial for achieving adequate nourishment while respecting cultural and regional dietary practices. Flexible dietary guidelines that prioritize nutrient security and individual health needs lead to optimal outcomes," stated Dr Leroy.
The summit included presentations from globally renowned scientists, offering insights into societal and political issues such as animal welfare, food security, and consumer communication. Technological innovations in the livestock sector were also discussed.
Dr Keith Belk, a representative of CSU-CMSQ and the summit organiser, remarked, "This summit demonstrates CSU's commitment to fostering robust scientific dialogue and creative thinking around the future of livestock and meat production. Our goal is to ensure animal-sourced foods remain a sustainable and socially accepted foundation for global food security and nutrition."
The event concluded with the issuance of the Denver Call for Action. Participants aim for this document to guide future efforts in policy development and scientific communication. The focus will remain on promoting sustainable practices, food security, and responsible livestock production, supported by the latest scientific evidence.
Key findings from the summit are set to be featured in a peer-reviewed edition of Animal Frontiers, scheduled for publication in January 2025.
- Beef Magazine
