By Dr. Vanessa Woods
(Letter to the Editor-Sunday Independent, 1 December 2019)
Sir, Farmers produce high-quality, nutritious food which consumers require for health. We are often guilty of treating food as a plentiful commodity nowadays. Nutrient-dense food contains more nutrients (e.g., protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals) than calories. If consumers don’t eat the essential nutrients, health is compromised. As with all successful partnerships, effective communication is key. An inclusive partnership will facilitate consumers in better understanding the nutrient content of food. Sustainability is simply meeting the needs of today, without compromising those of tomorrow. Irish farmers are renowned for efficiently converting inedible fibre in our lush green grass, naturally washed by Irish rain, into nutrient-dense food.
As with all successful partnerships, effective communication is key. An inclusive partnership will facilitate consumers in better understanding the nutrient content of food. Sustainability is simply meeting the needs of today, without compromising those of tomorrow. Irish farmers are renowned for efficiently converting inedible fibre in our lush green grass, naturally washed by Irish rain, into nutrient-dense food. More recently, the debate around food choices and their environmental impact has confused consumers. Science can eliminate confusion by presenting clear facts. For example, recent peer-reviewed science reported that the nutrient density of cow’s milk was seven and 35 times greater than soy drink and oat drink respectively. Although greenhouse gas emissions from cow’s milk were 3.3 and 4.7 times higher than soy and oat drinks, consumers need to understand these beverages are not the same. What’s key is the point at which the higher carbon footprint of nutrient dense foods like dairy and meat is offset by their higher nutritional value.
For consumers who enjoy red wine, its nutrient density was low (similar to oat drink) and its greenhouse gas emissions were the highest of all eight beverages examined, being more than twice that of cow’s milk.
Continuous effective communication between farmers and consumers will deliver a natural partnership.