What’s Behind the Rise of Extreme Vegan Activists?
Reflections on the SBS Dateline episode, plus how the program paid us a visit to explore edible insects as a sustainable protein alternative.
Episode Summary
- Human stories on both sides: A multigenerational dairy farmer describes distressing harassment, while committed activists explain why direct action feels necessary.
- Polarisation dynamics: The program shows how online rhetoric and street protests can harden positions, even as many people occupy a nuanced middle ground.
- Paths forward: The film gestures toward innovations—from changing eating habits to new protein technologies—that could ease the moral and environmental pressures at the heart of the conflict.
The core tension isn’t just whether to change how we eat, but how fast and by which means.
When Dateline Visited Us: Edible Insects as Protein
A highlight for us was welcoming the Dateline team to explore our work with edible insects ; a pragmatic, low-impact protein that can complement (or, in some contexts, replace) conventional animal products.
- Nutrient-dense: Insect ingredients can deliver complete protein with fibre, micronutrients, and healthy fats.
- Resource-light: Compared with traditional livestock, insects require far less land, water, and feed—and generate fewer greenhouse gases.
- Versatile formats: From flours and protein powders to snack applications, insect-based ingredients slot into familiar recipes.
During the visit, we walked through sourcing, rearing, processing, and product development, sharing how quality control and food safety standards underpin every step.
Our goal isn’t to force a binary choice—it’s to expand the menu with sustainable options that respect taste, nutrition, and the planet.
Bridging the Divide
The episode suggests a practical middle path: reduce the harms of food systems while supporting producers through transition. Alternative proteins—including insects—can be part of that toolkit, alongside better animal welfare practices, transparency, and more thoughtful consumption.
Final Thought
Whether you’re an advocate, a farmer, or a curious eater, we share a common destination: a food future that nourishes people and planet. Episodes like this one help map the terrain—and visits like the one we hosted show how many practical routes forward already exist.
