Meat sector wants to start with CO2 footprint soon

The Dutch meat sector wants to start labelling the CO2 footprint of meat soon, so consumers can make a choice for meat or alternatives based on objective criteria. 

In a round table meeting with EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans on 7 December, Dutch meat organisations COV and VNV asked for attention for a workable and usable CO2 footprint for meat. They also pointed out the necessity of export for the sustainability transition.

The meat organisations consider it essential that the footprint on the label reflects the actual footprint of that product, and is not a generic footprint for a product category. The use of the actual footprint stimulates the sector to take measures to reduce the climate impact. With a generic footprint this incentive is lost', according to COV and VNV. Furthermore, it will be demonstrated that the difference in climate impact between animal proteins and alternatives is much smaller than is often claimed'. 

VNV and COV also pointed to the slow legal procedures for permitting innovations in the sector, often with a negative result. This puts the European sector at a disadvantage compared to producers outside the EU. But most of all it hinders progress that could contribute to further sustainability'. 

cov.nl

Image: ©Flexd Design/Shutterstock.com