How PBFA is Leading Policy Action: Inside Our DC Fly-In to Champion Plant-Based Foods
Demand for plant-based foods is on the rise. From LA County committing to plant-based by default for city food procurement to 55 members of Congress asking President Biden to increase plant-based options in federal facilities, there is little question people want more plant-based foods – now the challenge is what needs to happen to make these products more accessible. Getting more plant-based options on plates requires broad stakeholder collaboration, which is why building the political power of the plant-based foods industry is a core focus for the PBFA policy team. From supporting farmers growing ingredients for the industry, ensuring a level playing field for plant-based brands to compete with industrial animal agriculture, and giving a voice to consumers who are hungry for delicious and sustainable nutrition, the PBFA team is dedicated to finding solutions that pave the way for the plant-based food industry’s success.
Defending Plant-Based and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
The PBFA policy team recently conducted a DC Lobby Day to meet with legislators and raise awareness for pressing issues and opportunities on behalf of the plant-based foods industry. PBFA’s Senior Director of Policy Marjorie Mulhall and Federal Consultant Bev Paul were joined by representatives from member companies Kerry, Bel Brands, and The Herbivorous Butcher. The goal of the Fly-In was to oppose harmful bills that would impact labeling for plant-based products legislation and advocate for key provisions within the PLANT Act (HR 5023).
Damaging bills like the "FAIR Labels Act," "Consistent Egg Labels Act," "DAIRY PRIDE Act," and the "Real MEAT Act of 2023" loom as potential obstacles to the growth and innovation of plant-based products, endangering not only businesses but also limiting consumer choice and environmental sustainability efforts. These bills, if enacted, could stifle innovation, restrict consumer access to plant-based foods, and disrupt the positive momentum of an industry that's powering progress for our food system. By standing united against discriminatory bills and championing policies that promote fairness and transparency in labeling, PBFA is actively working to safeguard the future of the plant-based foods industry.
In addition to combating harmful legislation, PBFA is focused on efforts to bolster the agricultural community and support for the plant-based foods industry. In the U.S.,10 times more land is allocated to growing crops that feed livestock than growing crops for human consumption – and around 800 times more public funding goes into industrial animal agriculture than plant-based foods. Despite those daunting statistics, the growing market for plant-based foods is fueling opportunities for farmers and rural economies. The plant-based food industry alone supports more than 55,000 higher-than-average paying jobs, providing $3.3 billion in income each year, in at least 35 different states. The PLANT Act aims to expand opportunities for agricultural producers, increase consumer choice in food markets, and enhance America’s global competitiveness by establishing new government programs for food innovation and other purposes.
Get Involved for a Plant-Based Future
By opposing legislation that seeks to impede innovation and limit consumer choice and by proactively promoting plant-forward agriculture, PBFA is paving the way for a future where plant-based foods can thrive. We believe that plant-based foods are at the heart of a healthier, more sustainable, more equitable food system—and the plant-based foods industry is central to making that brighter food future possible.
As we work to grow the political power of the plant-based foods industry, PBFA is inviting our membership to join us for our next Lobby Day taking place June 10-12, 2024 in Washington D.C. Members can reserve their spot via our Member Portal here. Together, we are powering a plant-based future.