Solutions for a Cultivated Planet

Of particular interest to animal advocates are recommendations regarding "shifting diets." Only 62% of all food grown globally is for direct human consumption. 35% of all crops grown globally are for animal feed. In North America and Europe only about 40% of their croplands are dedicated to direct food production. Though some improvements can be made by having farm animals graze rather than eat grains, and having them graze on less productive land, the study authors conclude that "using highly productive croplands to produce animal feed, no matter how efficiently, represents a net drain on the world’s potential food supply."

The researchers conclude that if the 16 major crops grown globally were grown solely for human consumption and not diverted to animal feed, biofuels, or other uses, then food yield would increase by up to 28% and the number of calories available per capita would increase available by almost 50%.