France urges public to eat less meat for the sake of the planet and their health

"The contentious decision came as part of a "National Strategy for Food, Nutrition and Climate," setting out the government's aims until 2030 on balancing a healthy diet while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It was supposed to be published in 2023, the culmination of a direct-democracy initiative that immediately raised the hackles of agriculture lobbies that accused the government of threatening their livelihoods."

"Apart from the health concerns of such advice, food production overall produces one-fourth of French carbon emissions, with meat production representing two-thirds of that amount. Hence the French government's hesitation on whether to ask people to "reduce" their meat eating, or just "limit" it. In the end, while promoting a diet focused on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, the new guidelines call for "limited" consumption of meats overall, including cold cuts, and a "reduction" of imported meat."

""We're relieved this plan was published, we were really worried it would be dropped," said Stephanie Pierre of France Assos Sante, a patients' health association. "But we were hoping for a much more ambitious plan," she said."

The French government issued a 'National Strategy for Food, Nutrition and Climate' setting aims through 2030 to balance healthy diets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Publication was delayed until 2024 after a direct-democracy initiative and met opposition from agricultural lobbies worried about livelihoods. Food production accounts for one-fourth of French carbon emissions, with meat responsible for two-thirds of that share. The guidelines promote fruits, vegetables and whole grains, call for limited consumption of meats including cold cuts, and urge reduction of imported meat. Health groups welcomed publication but called for more ambitious measures. Timing precedes the national agriculture fair.

Read at The Local France