In doing my research meat and the economy, I came across a 2009 Meat and Poultry Industry Economic Contribution Study that quoted that the industry contributes $832 billion in total to the U.S. economy. Looking at the numbers closer to home, in Ohio's Congressional District 3 the industry is responsible for a little over 21,000 jobs. All told, the meat and poultry industry generates nearly $1.58 billion in activity in the district. Given the job situation that exists in Ohio and elsewhere, encouraging people to switch to a plant based diet, which in turn would have an impact on those jobs would not be well received in the short term.

However, if you were considering investing in a company that produces animal based foods, there could be major pitfalls looming. The recent signs of global warming continuing to increase could mean the government would mandate or legislate changes to more sustainable agricultural systems. The other environmental threats - pollution of rivers and streams by animal wastes and runoff of agricultural chemicals, soil erosion and depletion, odors from animal wastes could become so great that the government could see a need to reduce livestock agriculture. Shortages in land, water, and fuel will cause the cost of producing animal products to increase.

By contrast, companies specializing in plant based foods are looking good. Because product innovation, media attention, and buyer demand are creating strong growth for the vegetarian foods market, more companies are trying to profit from meat, dairy, and egg alternatives. 1998 reported a 290% increase over 1990 in new food items with either meatless or vegetarian in their names. This is just a small sample of the trend toward vegetarian diets.

"Nothing is as irresistible as an idea whose time has come."  There seems to be great potential for an improved financial health.