63% of the Dutch are done with 'meat police'

The National Week Without Meat & Dairy finds itself at the heart of an increasingly sharp and divided public opinion. A significant 63% of Dutch citizens firmly oppose what they perceive as the 'meat police'. This 'meat aggression' is on the rise in Europe, a term that aptly encapsulates the polarization and emotional intensity of the debate surrounding meat consumption. As the campaign enters its seventh year, it faces growing resistance that both defines and hinders the national conversation on food sustainability.

Isabel Boerdam, the campaign's initiator, sounds the alarm over the increasing 'meat aggression' in Europe. This phenomenon indicates a hardening of attitudes towards the campaign's message. Major players in the food industry are hesitant to associate with the campaign’s message of reduced meat consumption due to intense backlash. This development, indicative of a deep rift in societal opinion, obstructs crucial progress in the food industry.

Strong sentiments in the Netherlands

The numbers are telling: 63% of Dutch citizens resist the so-called 'meat police'. They are tired of being told what they can and cannot eat. This resistance is evident in a hardened societal discussion, with nearly a third of those in favor of eating less meat strengthening their opinion over the past year. Conversely, a considerable group, 57%, is fed up with climate demonstrations. These figures reveal a deep-seated polarization around the issue of meat consumption.

Challenge for dialogue

This polarization is reflected in the experiences of Dé van de Riet, former spokesperson for the Dutch red meat sector. According to him, social media plays a crucial role in amplifying extremes. The attic-room battles, where people primarily seek to affirm their own rightness, hinder open and mature dialogue on key issues such as responsible nutrition and sustainability.

The stark figures and polarized reactions demonstrate that the Netherlands is at a crossroads in the debate over sustainable food consumption. The National Week Without Meat & Dairy symbolizes this struggle, where the need for change collides with strong resistance. Continuing this discussion is vital for the future of sustainable food in the Netherlands and Europe.