A 2014 United Nations report advised governments to try to halve meat consumption. It was argued that cutting meat consumption would lessen the market failure created by pollution from chemical fertilisers and manure. If meat consumption fell, large areas of land would become available for growing vegetables, cereals and fruit to feed a growing population. The supply of a number of agricultural products is inelastic.
(a)[2]
Define what is meant by ‘inelastic supply’.
(b)[4]
Explain why market failure takes place.
(c)[6]
Analyse the ways a government could reduce meat consumption.
(d)[8]
Discuss whether population growth is likely to outstrip the growth of food production in the future.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 20-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Quantity supplied changes by a smaller percentage than price” …