Growing demand for meat as global incomes rise

Growing meat consumption and greater market opportunities in the East are two key trends expected to influence farmers in the coming decade.

- Lindi Botha

This was according to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034, a joint publication of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Statistics from the outlook showed that total consumption of agricultural and fish commodities is projected to grow by 13% from current levels by 2034.

"As incomes rise over the medium term, diets in low- and middle-income countries are projected to shift toward greater consumption of animal products. In contrast, no fundamental shift in dietary patterns is currently observable or expected in high-income countries, particularly with regard to meat consumption," said Dr Qu Dongyu, FAO's director general.