I'm dreading meeting my farmer friends because I know they will be incandescent with rage at this. My butcher will be too I expect because people are reducing the amount of meat they buy, not for environmental reasons, but because they're having to cut back on the overall cost of food. His beef can be traced right back to the farm and herd, but no doubt the EU will require more evidence.
Here is some more detail about this latest ludicrous suggestion.
Swedish agricultural authorities are recommending a tax to reduce meat (mainly beef) consumption and say such a levy should be adopted across the European Union.
Voluntary actions by consumers and firms are probably not enough to reach existing environmental and climate goals, the Swedish Board of Agriculture said. Therefore, a meat tax not only in Sweden but at EU level, could be the solution.
I understand the Swedish government's concern for attempting to reduce the production of meat from unsustainable sources, but such proposals will surely increase the price of all meat, regardless of its sustainability.
As for the argument that this would reduce emissions therefore reduce global warming, well what can I say?
The Swedish government suggested this earlier this year and now we learn the EU has ordered a study. As many of you will be aware, once the EU direct a study then the subject is more or less signed and sealed. It may take a few years - others called for this a few years ago - but it will be contained in some EU directive in the future.
When will this stupidity end?
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