Like many Americans, Gov. Jared Polis has been intrigued lately by the promise of plant-based meat alternatives from companies such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods.
He is not alone. A few weeks back, it was news you might be able to use when the Herald conducted a taste test of Burger King’s Impossible Whopper upon its debut nationwide (and in Durango).
We can all agree, for a variety of reasons, that this fake meat thing has real promise for the health of humans (and other animals), and for the environment – not to mention the climate, which is not looking so good lately.
No one is forcing anyone to eat plant-based meat. Yet.
But that does not mean it is going down well with some Colorado ranchers and farmers.
Three weeks ago, the governor ate an Impossible Whopper in his Capitol office while he touted innovation and change.
He said he had asked the state Department of Agriculture to think of ways meatless products could be made with Colorado farm products.
“It makes my blood boil,” responded state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, a rancher.
Subsequently, Polis and Agriculture Commissioner Kate Greenberg clarified their position – at the state fair in Pueblo.
“Impossible Foods is interested in replacing meat; the governor is not,” Greenberg told The Denver Post this week.
Ranching has a long history in Colorado. Plant-based meat seems to have a future. The governor is right: They can coexist in the present.
