Cut meat and dairy output by a third to save climate, British farmers told

The report says even greater cuts may be needed to the UK’s pig herds if emissions targets are to be met, because of the imported feed they eat. Photograph: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

British farmers must reduce their production of meat and dairy by a third in the next 10 years if scientific advice on limiting greenhouse gas emissions is to be met, the conservation charity WWF has said.

Even greater cuts may be needed to the UK’s pig herds and poultry flocks, because of the imported feed they eat, and people will need to eat much less meat than they do today, the charity warned. But the result would be lower greenhouse gas emissions, a countryside with more wildlife and flourishing nature, and better health, according to the report.