The case for veganism as a solution to the world’s environmental concerns is problematic. The synergy between livestock and crop production farming fosters biologically rich, fertile soils through grazing and application of farmyard manure, and reduces the need for agrichemicals to be used on croplands. Globally, soils have been depleted of organic matter, biological life and carbon stores by intensive agrichemical-dependent agriculture. Much plant-based food is produced this way. Additionally, in ‘Veganuary’ last year – an annual worldwide challenge in which meat-eaters try a vegan diet for a month – imports of many of the key vegan sources of protein, fats and oils increased, adding to environmentally damaging emissions.