North Devon Council defies vegan plan in support of farmers

Councillors at North Devon Council have rejected a Green Party motion that sought to mandate plant-based food and drink at council meetings and events.

The motion also proposed collaboration with local farmers to promote sustainable plant-based production.

But it sparked a significant backlash, especially from livestock farmers, who protested outside the council meeting.

Ahead of the vote on Wednesday evening (17 July), the Countryside Alliance (CA) external affairs team sent comprehensive briefings to councillors, outlining facts about livestock farming in the UK.

See also: Lucy Nott: OFS is key in PR race against plant-based eating

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, the CA’s external affairs director, expressed satisfaction with the motion’s defeat and said the result supported freedom of choice and the interests of farmers.

“I am incredibly pleased to hear this motion has been beaten,” he said. “I would like to thank all Countryside Alliance members and supporters who took the time to write to their local councillors, and to those local councillors who sided with our farmers, common sense and freedom of choice.

“There is never any justification for banning meat and dairy, and I hope the Green Party reflects on their failure last night and opts to stand with the countryside going forward.”

Greens disappointed

Green Party councillor Ricky Knight, who proposed the motion, highlighted the environmental impact of meat and dairy consumption, quoting Sir David Attenborough on the necessity of shifting towards plant-based diets for sustainability.

Michaela Andrews, a campaigner for Plant-Based Councils, said she was disappointed at the outcome, but stressed the importance of continued dialogue and support for farmers in transitioning to sustainable practices.

The debate reflects broader national tensions between environmental initiatives and traditional agricultural practices.

While some councils, including in Exeter and Oxfordshire, have adopted wholly plant-based policies, others, influenced by campaigns like those of the Countryside Alliance, have opted for a more balanced approach that includes locally sourced meat and dairy alongside plant-based options.