LThe Western nutritional model, based on proteins of animal origin, has serious consequences for our planet. Many scientific studies and politicians acknowledge the importance of a plant-based diet to counteract these harmful effects. In practice, however, the consumption of animal products is not decreasing. Cultural habits come into question, but above all public policy: they make the difference, as the very different situations in the various European countries show.
This makes Germany a nationally known country “Meat”Meat consumption peaked in 2022 lowest level since the 1990s, i.e. 52 kilos per person. This decline is undoubtedly due in large part to policies in favor of vegetarian diets and to the appointment of an agriculture minister who takes seriously the impact of animal production. In contrast, in France, with a president and an agriculture minister close to livestock interest groups, our meat consumption is still 85 kilos per person per year and has increased by 2% in the last two years.
Despite good declarations of intent or some laws “Window” Like the EGalim law, the French government continues to ridicule any proposal to plant our food model and continues to support industrial animal production, which is the pillar of the disastrous current situation: 80% of the animals bred in our country suffer from intensive breeding, and we import still meat produced in conditions that do not meet the expectations of French consumers.
Towards a fairer and more sustainable food system
France regularly invokes European competition to prevent changes to ecocidal agricultural practices and public policies. However, several instruments already exist within the Union to initiate and support the necessary policy change towards a more plant-based diet, as highlighted THE report “Plant-based politics”written by a coalition of five European organizations, including France.
A first measure is to redirect CAP subsidies towards sustainable crop production and promote the consumption of plant proteins that provide environmental and public health benefits. It’s also about truly implementing the farm-to-table strategy and establishing labels that indicate the impact of products on ecosystems and animal condition.
You still have 45% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
