Councillors in North Devon this week will debate whether to ban meat and dairy at council events. This motion, proposed by Devon Greens, is a clear example of virtue signalling. It is not the role of the council to impose such restrictions but to provide the best possible services to our residents.
Instead of disparaging our farmers, we should acknowledge the huge contribution they make. They are the backbone of our local economy, environment, and rural communities. Rather than banning them, the council should support our local farmers by ensuring that all food and drinks at council events are sourced from local suppliers, including meat and dairy, alongside plant-based options.
Of the 92,000 hectares of farmland in North Devon, only 10,000 grow cereals and 202 hectares produce fruit. Our district's beef, sheep, pig, and poultry farming employs over 3,000 people and is essential to our local economy.
The Greens’ approach doesn't align with our commitment to supporting local farmers and providing choice to our residents. Let's focus on what truly matters—enhancing our local partnerships, supporting our farmers, and ensuring that North Devon thrives. Write to your local councillor to make sure they vote to support our farmers, not make their lives even harder.
James Wright, a local farmer, added, "Our farming community works tirelessly to provide quality produce. This motion would undermine our efforts and hurt the local economy. We need support, not restrictions."
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UPDATE: The motion was successfully defeated - it is a real shame that the new Liberal Democrat MP, who is also the leader of the council didn't even attend the meeting to vote.
