Sustainability transition in milk production : how livestock-based, socio-technical systems can transition to plant-based production methods

The animal agriculture industry is among the main causes of climate change, deforestation, and depletion of arable land. However, a plant-based diet offers multiple potential benefits in terms of health, sustainability, and animal well-being. In recent years, developed countries have seen a rapid increase in the number of people adopting a plant-based diet. The milk industry is feeling the impact of these changes in consumer behavior, thus forcing adaptation. This thesis explores the following research question: when viewing the milk industry as a socio-technical system, what are the potential pathways for a transition from dairy-based to plant-based milk production? The Multi-Level Perspective is used to map the socio-technical system of the milk industry, after which various transition pathways are discussed. Meanwhile, a case study (a company that switched from dairy-based to plant-based milk production) is used to contrast theory with practice. Two transition pathways in particular are likely to occur, each mainly depending on the (state of) development of niche technologies. Another observation is that a radical overhaul in production methods can initially be accomplished by regime actors without significant changes or support to the socio-technical landscape. The thesis finishes with recommendations on how a sustainability transition of this sort can be stimulated and supported by companies, government, and consumers.