Canadians trending to lower meat consumption

Canadian meat producers need to increase exports to offset declines in consumption.

Last year Canadians consumed 207 million pounds less meat than the year before, according to the Food Price Outlook published by Dalhousie University.

Meat-eating trends and a new Canada Food Guide could accelerate that trend.

Eight per cent of Canadians fully intend to reduce meat consumption while 24 per cent expect they will probably cut down on eating meat. Adding fuel to the less meat trend will be the new Canada Food Guide.

The authoritative food guide, used in schools and institutions across Canada, will likely emphasize consumption of plant-based foods at the expense of meat and dairy proteins.

Meat prices are expected to fall between one and three per cent across the country, according to the Food Price Outlook. Meat and seafood, down two per cent in price, are the only food categories losing price power.

This is the first price decline for meat and seafood in nine years since the annual report started.

Vegetable prices will rise between four and six per cent with bakery and fruit categories up one to three per cent.

Dairy and grocery sector prices will range from stable to two per cent increases. Restaurant price increases will range from two to four per cent.

In all, food will cost the average household $411 more in 2019.

After a year of lower than average food price increases, Saskatchewan is expected to experience above average price increases along with Alberta, Ontario and B.C.

Quebec and Manitoba will see average food price increases, while the Maritime provinces will see lower than average price increases.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net