European farming lobbies agree to shift toward less meat consumption

Europe's farming and green groups reached a consensus on reducing meat consumption, calling for urgent reforms to improve sustainability in agriculture.

Ajit Niranjan reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• A report acknowledges Europeans consume more animal protein than recommended and calls for shifting toward plant-based diets.
• It proposes a "just transition fund" to support farmers adopting sustainable practices and rethink farm subsidies.
• Stakeholders agree on gradual changes, though some farm groups express concerns about the report's livestock recommendations.

Key quote:

“This is a victory for our farmers, our environment and our future – if politicians will have the courage and integrity to act on it.”

— Ariel Brunner, director of Birdlife Europe

Why this matters:

Meat-heavy diets contribute to climate change and environmental harm. The agreed reforms aim to make food systems more sustainable, but they require political will to implement.

Related:

• Meat and dairy industry's lobbying delays EU climate policies
• Meat and dairy companies prioritize advertising over emissions reduction
• Meat and dairy's looming climate deadline