© wernerimages/Adobe Stock Commissioned by WWF Germany and authored by HFFA Research, this study examines how German consumption patterns—particularly meat-heavy diets and food waste—contribute to global agricultural land expansion, and explores how shifts toward healthier diets and responsible food handling can reduce land pressure and environmental impact.
One-third of the world’s land is already used for livestock production, a share that continues to grow alongside rising global meat demand. This trend accelerates habitat loss and biodiversity decline, especially in regions like Brazil and Argentina, where soy cultivation for animal feed fuels land conversion. Germany’s dietary and food waste habits play a significant role in this global land use footprint.
The study quantifies Germany’s per capita agricultural land use and evaluates the international implications of food imports, especially soy for livestock feed. It also analyses the land savings potential from behavioural changes—specifically, reduced meat consumption and lower rates of consumer food waste.
Each German uses approximately 2,900 m² of agricultural land annually, with 2,300 m² allocated to food production.
Germany relies on 6.8 million hectares of agricultural land abroad, including 2.5 million hectares in Brazil and Argentina for soy imports.
Annual consumer food waste in Germany amounts to 6.6 million tonnes, or 80 kg per person.
Skipping meat once per week could free up 595,000 hectares—twice the size of Saarland.
Combined improvements in diet and food waste reduction could lower each German’s land footprint by over 500 m².