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Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryIndustry / policy report

Is Meat Too Cheap? Towards Optimal Meat Taxation

Franziska Funke, Linus Mattauch, Inge van den Bijgaart, H. Charles J. Godfray, Cameron Hepburn, David Klenert, Marco Springmann, Nicolas Treich

SSRN Electronic Journal · 2021

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Summary

This paper presents an economic analysis of meat pricing, arguing that current market prices do not fully reflect health and environmental externalities. The authors develop a framework for optimal meat taxation, synthesising evidence on the external costs of meat production and consumption. The work suggests taxation policy as a mechanism to internalise these costs and improve food system sustainability and public health outcomes.

UK applicability

The analytical framework is applicable to United Kingdom policy design, particularly given existing interest in dietary guidelines and climate commitments. However, implementation would require UK-specific data on production systems, consumer behaviour, and cost valuations.

Key measures

Tax rate recommendations; externality valuations (health, environmental, resource costs); elasticity of demand; distributional impacts

Outcomes reported

The paper examines optimal meat taxation levels considering externalities related to health, environment, and resource use. It models the economic case for taxation as a corrective policy instrument.

Theme
Policy, governance & rights
Subject
Food & agricultural policy
Study type
Policy
Study design
Policy report
Source type
Policy report
Status
Preprint
Geography
International
System type
Intensive livestock
DOI
10.2139/ssrn.3801702
Catalogue ID
BFmovi2bj3-2bqock

Topic tags

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