Farmers have blasted plans to greatly reduce the meat content of school dinners. Caterers also want meals provided in hospitals and universities to contain 20% less meat in a bid to battle climate change.
They pledged to reduce the use of animal products and cut greenhouse gases linked to livestock. They say the move will boost public health and relieve the strain on the NHS.
But Richard Findlay, Livestock Board chairman of the National Farmers’ Union, said it was “frankly ridiculous”. He said meat consumption was vital for a “healthy, balanced diet” and said the carbon footprint from British farms was up to 60% lower than elsewhere.