On Wednesday, the French government urged citizens to reduce their meat consumption as part of its "National Food, Nutrition and Climate Strategy" aimed at promoting healthy diets while addressing greenhouse gas emissions. This controversial request is intended to contribute to the country's environmental goals for 2030, emphasizing the dual need for health improvement and climate action. The strategy is rooted in a direct democracy initiative, which generated significant backlash from the agricultural lobby.

Supporters of the initiative underscore that food production is responsible for approximately a quarter of France's carbon dioxide emissions, with meat production accounting for two-thirds of that. This data highlights the environmental impact of current agricultural practices, making the call to action both a health and a climate issue. The new strategy promotes a diet focused on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while specifically recommending a decrease in overall meat consumption and imported meat products.

Upon launching this strategy, the government has received mixed reactions from various sectors. While wellness advocates express relief that the plan has been approved, there is significant apprehension among agricultural stakeholders about the potential economic repercussions. The proposed changes reflect a broader trend across Europe and beyond, where governments are increasingly looking for ways to align dietary habits with sustainability targets, marking an important intersection between nutrition, agriculture, and environmental policy.