Food and nutrient security for a growing population.

Food and nutrient security in light of population growth projected to reach 9.8 billion over the next 30 yr (United Nations, 2017) are becoming ubiquitous concerns for professionals across agricultural sciences, health sciences, and policy fields. In addressing the challenges presented by current circumstances, this issue of Animal Frontiers derives from a recent International Livestock Congress (ILC) presented by the International Stockmen’s Educational Foundation (ISEF) in conjunction with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The ISEF hosts industry and world leaders and scientific experts, and supports a student educational program, in part through its annual Congress, to generate discussion and exchange of global opinions on current topics of interest and concern across the livestock industry’s entire supply chain. The most recent ILC focused on “Science-based strategies for meat in the diet and new perspectives on global trade.” This topic arose from the underlying concept that food security is one critical component of national security. Moreover, “nutrient security” must also be considered for adequate nutritional wellbeing of people in economically disadvantaged countries, as well as those that are more prosperous, in order to meet the challenges of adequate protein intake needs, conflicting nutritional advice, and activist agendas.

In this issue, David Klurfeld addresses “What is the role of meat in a healthy diet?” He describes the value of red meat as a nutrient-dense food that is a complete protein source containing all essential amino acids, iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins. Among animal-source foods, red meat in particular has been a target for criticism. Klurfeld describes a review process in which the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer ignored controlled studies and used weak epidemiological evidence in an effort to classify red meat as a carcinogen. Although questions still remain regarding dietary choices, Klurfeld notes that the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide could be eliminated by regular consumption of a small amount of beef, emphasizing that dietary recommendations must be based on sound scientific principles.

To ensure that the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) continues to provide evidence-based information about dietary practices for optimal nutrition, a National Academies’ panel has made several recommendations to improve the DGA update process. Among the recommendations is a call for increased rigor in evaluating scientific evidence (NASEM, 2017). In a global assessment of nutritional guidelines and implications for the future, Magni et al. (2017) also address the importance of effectively translating nutritional guidelines for the public. Here, Graves and colleagues discuss communications strategies for delivering the nutritional benefits of meat to consumers in “Giving meat meaning: Creating value-based connections with consumers.” In particular, they offer tips for the Millennial generation who are at risk for eliminating meat from their diets.

The world market is changing, and the role of the private sector leads this transformation (Global Panel, 2018). As described by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 2018), growth of population and gross domestic product, along with globalization and urbanization, are driving demand for more animal-source foods, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Meeting demand requires increased productivity, structural changes to the livestock sector, and increased trade of livestock and livestock products. The remaining articles in this issue tackle aspects of this topic from different angles. The “International beef trade: A value proposition,” is described by Fields and colleagues, largely addressing U.S. beef and pork exports and exploring new opportunities. Davis and Belk provide a look at the role of technological advances in “Managing meat exports considering production technology challenges”, and discuss the necessity of technology adoption for meeting demand. In another area of technology, food animal industries are grappling with the impact of meat and dairy alternatives on these industries, as well as their implications for nutritional security. Keefe describes this issue in “#FakeMeat versus ‘real’ meat: The coming battle.”

Next, two case studies of the beef industry bring an international perspective and approach to the discussion. In “Beef cattle production system capacity considerations for improved food security: A case study in Myanmar,” Herring and colleagues propose strategies for developing livestock operations and improving beef production in that country. At the other end of the spectrum, Polkinghorne describes a strategic approach to overall industry improvement—with emphasis on product quality and marketability “From commodity, to customer, to consumer: The Australian beef industry evolution.” Finally, Daigle and Ridge wrap up this issue by addressing the importance of developing the animal science workforce and suggest that “Investing in stockpeople is an investment in animal welfare and agricultural sustainability.” They describe current barriers and offer potential solutions for developing and increasing the availability of a skilled workforce.