Farmers slam 'growing absurdity' of taxpayer-funded vegan councils

Farmers have slammed the “growing absurdity” among councils of taxpayer-funded “compulsory veganism”. At least 10 local authorities across the UK have either a meat ban or signed the plant-based treaty, an international movement which aims to promote a shift to veganism and discourage animal agriculture.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, of the Countryside Alliance (CA), said: “A growing absurdity, slowly taking hold of councils in the most unlikely of places, is a move towards compulsory veganism. Several councils, including Oxfordshire County Council, Enfield and Calderdale have all voted to ditch meat and dairy products provided in internal catering.

“The justification they claim, to ‘tackle climate change’ and lead by example. No more ham sandwiches for hungry councillors, but instead, lavish platters of exotic fruit and vegetables. All taxpayer funded of course. There is no suggestion that residents or workers at any of the local authorities would be banned from eating meat.

Oxfordshire county council, held by the Liberal Democrats, as well as Labour-held Calderdale and Exeter councils, committed to moving to “plant-based diets” in 2015, 2020 and 2022 respectively.

A campaign led by the CA has seen 10 councils reject “compulsory veganism”, and promote the importance of shopping locally and supporting UK farmers.

So far Suffolk, Cornwall, Portsmouth, Fenland, Peterborough, the Highlands, Dorset, Wiltshire, Staffordshire Moorlands and Rutland have all signed up to the alternative campaign.

National Farmers Union President Tom Bradshaw said: “What we eat should be a personal choice and decisions should be made in an informed way taking into consideration the nutritional, environmental and biodiversity benefits that eating a balanced diet including meat and dairy provide.

“We know the public values homegrown, nutritious produce and British farmers are well placed to deliver that – producing high-quality meat and dairy products to world-leading standards.

“We engage regularly with local councils about the importance of supporting local supply chains and the vital role farmers play at the heart of our rural communities. There have been some great successes with councils including Suffolk County Council and Cornwall Council showing their support for local farmers by committing to pro-actively source local produce, and we will continue to work with local authorities and food providers to champion backing British farming.”

Kate Arthur, head of nutrition and health at the Agriculture and Horticulture Board (AHDB), added: “Considerable evidence supports including lean red meat and dairy as part of a healthy, balanced diet. These foods are naturally rich in protein and a source of other essential nutrients such iron, zinc, calcium, iodine and vitamin B12 which are often lacking in people’s diets, particularly nutritionally vulnerable groups.’

Food and farming is critical for Britain’s food security and caring for the countryside, Ms Arthur added.

The sector employs 340,000 people, many in rural communities and in 2024 Government figures show agriculture generated £7.7 billion pounds for the economy.

Plant-based Councils have been contacted for comment.