Petition Criticises UK Government’s Support of Meat Campaign, Calls for Plant-Based Foods to Be Promoted Instead

Ecotricity founder Dale Vince has created a petition urging the UK government to stop supporting meat and dairy campaigns and instead promote plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Various organizations including the British Society for Haematology and the Doctors’ Association UK have signed an open letter in support of the petition, criticizing a campaign by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) that aims to increase meat and dairy consumption. The letter highlights evidence that red and processed meat can raise the risk of chronic disease and urges the government to focus on promoting healthier and more sustainable food choices.

Despite claims by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that it is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has stated that meat and dairy consumption needs to be reduced to achieve net-zero emissions. The letter also points out that the AHDB no longer represents the horticulture and potato sectors and is primarily focused on supporting the animal farming industry. The signatories call for a shift in government support and marketing campaigns towards promoting horticulture sector products to encourage a more balanced and sustainable diet for the population.