The societal and dietary importance of meat was highlighted at a conference of the Animal Task Force in Brussels Wednesday, April 12th, hosted by the University Foundation. A coalition of scientists and academics challenged moves to scale down meat production, as part of the green transition, and addressed the climate change-related arguments put forward against the industry.
The gathering was a follow-up to the 2022 Dublin Declaration, a document signed by 921 experts, which argued in favour of meat as an essential part of a balanced diet and a net positive for the environment .
The conference occurred as Europe has experienced populist revolts related to the impact of green reforms on farming with EU attempts to curb livestock production under the guise of decarbonisation. Limits on the use of nitrogen fertiliser prompted a political upheaval in the Netherlands, while the EU’s “Farm to Fork” policy has been harshly criticised for placing restrictive regulations on farmers.
Attendees learned the role meat production plays in human diets, with the health benefits of ultra-processed alternatives challenged by Professor Alice Stanton.
Professor Stanton cautioned against media narratives that categorise red meat as unhealthy, reminding the audience that the majority of the world’s population suffered from insufficient meat and dairy consumption.
Nutrition expert Dr. Wilhelm Windisch highlighted the role meat consumption plays in creating sustainable ecosystems pointing out that the negative effects of livestock on climate change have been exaggerated.
EU member states have seen pushback against Commission plans to slash livestock numbers in order to reduce methane emissions.
Climate advocates regard current patterns of meat production as unsustainable and a major contributor to climate change. Against this background EU lawmakers want to prevent wider consumption of meat products. Yet in total contradiction, they have backed a 4.5 million euro initiative to promote meat consumption called Proud of EU Beef.
The defence of fundamental consumer choice and the livelihoods of farmers is an essential component of any wise agricultural policy. The work of the conference is likely just the beginning of changing the minds of policy makers by diversifying European farming and saving it from the negative aspects of the green agenda.
