Minneapolis, MN—Cargill released new global research information that concludes shoppers will continue to buy meat, fish and eggs in order to maintain a healthy and sustainable diet, according to a press release.

The release states that 2/3 of participants in the Feed4Thought survey intend to increase their animal protein consumption in the upcoming year, while 4/5 are interested in plant-based sources of protein.

According to Cargill, 93% of participants in the U.S., Netherlands, Vietnam and Brazil care about feeding the world sustainably. 80% of the respondents say animal protein can be environmentally responsible and 93% say it plays an important role in a healthy diet.

Chuck Warta, president of Cargill’s premix and nutrition business, stated in the release, “We’re pleased consumers see animal protein as an important part of a healthy diet. Dietary guidance consistently emphasizes the benefits of adequate protein intake from a variety of sources. Our aim is to help our livestock, poultry and aquaculture customers meet the growing global demand for protein in the most healthy, productive and sustainable way possible.”

The release states that almost 1/3 of participants answered that selected food and feed manufacturers are responsible for ensuring sustainable food production, followed by governments and consumers.

In response to the survey, Cargill set new policies on South American sustainable soy, human rights and deforestation. The company also created more partnerships such as The Nature Conservancy Nestle Purina-Cargill initiative in order to aid U.S. farmers conserve irrigation water, according to the release.

The release also states that Cargill partnered with Heifer to create Hatching Hope, which is an initiative intended to improve the nutrition and livelihoods of 100 million people by the year 2030. This will be done through training and open markets for subsistence poultry farmers as well as providing nutrition education for communities.