The Rural Voice, 2019-03, Page 22With its emphasis on plant
proteins versus meat
proteins, Canada’s new
Food Guide is causing consternation
among agricultural leaders as they
wonder how it will impact animal
agriculture.
“There has been a fair bit of
concern expressed to me on the
impact the new food guide will have
on the livelihood of farmers and the
way they do business,” said John
Nater, MP for Perth-Wellington.
The focus on plant protein gives
the impression that meat-based
protein should be avoided, he
suggests.
Where once meats and dairy had
their own food groups, they have
now been incorporated into the
protein section. This section is
visualized as one triad on a plate,
which also contains pulses, nuts and
seeds.
It’s radically different from the
2007 version yet some beef and dairy
leaders say this is a good food guide
... it just needs some modifications.
They feel there has been an
overemphasis on protein from plants
and an underutilization of protein
from animals. Also, the focus on
low-fat is worrisome when healthy
fats have been scientifically proven
to be beneficial in the diet.
Perhaps, say leaders, consumers
should be reminded that choice is as
essential as eating healthy.
“I have no issue with people
eating plant-based food but we need
to share with consumers that it
doesn’t have to be one or the other,”
says Randy Pettapiece, MPP for
Perth-Wellington. He has been
travelling through rural Ontario
hosting round tables on agriculture.
The new food guide has come up as a
topic of conversation at every one.
Dairy and beef farmers have been
most vocal, he said.
“This is not a bad food guide,”
says Henry Wydeven, a dairy farmer
from St. Marys who represents dairy
farmers in Huron and Perth on the
Board of Dairy Farmers of Ontario
(DFO). “Dairy took a hit, it’s true,
but we are still in the protein section
and that’s where we belong.”
Where he is confused is the focus
on low-fat. “We are past that,” says
Henry. “In fact, Health Canada did a
study in 2015 called Evidence and
Review on Dietary Guidelines that
recognized dairy fat is good for you
and won’t make you obese. These are
18 The Rural Voice
Plant proteins versus meat proteins
Dairy and beef organizations like the focus on homegrown
eating with family but feel animal proteins are undervalued
The focus on plant proteins does not take into account that all proteins are
not created equal, say leaders of commodity groups who say this isn’t a
bad food guide, it just needs to be more focused on choice.
•By Lisa B. Pot •
Nutrition