Wiltshire Council Overwhelmingly Opposes Efforts to Diminish the Role of Meat, Dairy, and Arable Farmers
Source: The DairyNews
Wiltshire Council, in the UK, has voted overwhelmingly against any attempts to diminish the role of meat, dairy, and arable farmers in its rural way of life. The motion, submitted by Conservative Councillors Nabil Najjar and Elizabeth Threlfall, garnered support from 70 councillors during a full council meeting, with no councillors voting against the motion and three abstaining.
The motion commits Wiltshire Council to supporting local poultry, arable, and livestock farmers. As part of this commitment, food at council-catered events will be sourced from local suppliers, including meat, fish, and dairy.
During the meeting, a member of Wiltshire Climate Alliance raised a question about the motion's alignment with climate targets and net-zero aspirations, emphasizing the need to reduce dairy and ruminant meat consumption. The council responded by acknowledging the advice on its climate webpage, suggesting residents "eat a balanced diet, which for most of us means consuming less meat and dairy."
Councillor Richard Clewer, the leader of Wiltshire Council, emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers, stating, "They’ve become almost a political football on the national stage, and that isn’t helpful."
Liberal Democrat Councillor Adrian Foster expressed support for the motion, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers and the need for local support. Councillor David Vigar raised concerns about the possible involvement of the Countryside Alliance but clarified his support for the idea, stating he did not want to be part of a campaign against plant-based food.
After the meeting, Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, commended the council's decision, describing it as a victory for common sense. The Countryside Alliance urged more councils to support farmers and food producers as Wiltshire Council has committed to doing.
During the meeting, a member of Wiltshire Climate Alliance raised a question about the motion's alignment with climate targets and net-zero aspirations, emphasizing the need to reduce dairy and ruminant meat consumption. The council responded by acknowledging the advice on its climate webpage, suggesting residents "eat a balanced diet, which for most of us means consuming less meat and dairy."
Councillor Richard Clewer, the leader of Wiltshire Council, emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers, stating, "They’ve become almost a political football on the national stage, and that isn’t helpful."
Liberal Democrat Councillor Adrian Foster expressed support for the motion, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers and the need for local support. Councillor David Vigar raised concerns about the possible involvement of the Countryside Alliance but clarified his support for the idea, stating he did not want to be part of a campaign against plant-based food.
After the meeting, Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, commended the council's decision, describing it as a victory for common sense. The Countryside Alliance urged more councils to support farmers and food producers as Wiltshire Council has committed to doing.
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