Scientists around the world are being called upon to sign The Dublin Declaration to give a voice to those whose research presents and achieves a balanced view of the future of animal agriculture and, ultimately, meat eating.
Back in October 2022 a little publicised, but well attended summit took place in Dublin on the societal role of meat eating. It was hosted by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority.
The International Summit on The Societal Role of Meat – What the SCIENCE Says, highlighted and summarised all the different ways in which meat is relevant in modern society.
The unanimous conclusion from the presentations by scientific experts from around the world, which included Europe, the USA and Australia is that the scientific reports do not justify or support the “simplistic and reductionist” war currently raging against meat eating.
Declaration's purpose
The premise of the declaration is: "Livestock systems must progress on the basis of the highest scientific standards. They are too precious to society to become the victim of simplification, reductionism or zealotry. These systems must continue to be embedded in and have broad approval of society.
"For that, scientists are asked to provide reliable evidence of their nutrition and health benefits, environmental sustainability, socio-cultural and economic values, as well as for solutions for the many improvements that are needed. This declaration aims to give voice to the many scientists around the world who research diligently, honestly and successfully in the various disciplines in order to achieve a balanced view of the future of animal agriculture."
The Teagasc's starting point was: "It is critical to clearly understand what the objective scientific evidence is saying. The Summit brought together a group of globally leading scientists from across relevant disciplines to present and achieve a comprehensive synopsis of the scientific insights on the role of meat in society."
The presentations are available on the Teagasc's website here.
To read more about, and sign the Dublin Declaration, click here.
A look at this subject and the pivotal and positive role livestock has to play in the environment and climate change will appear in the January/February 2023 issue of Meat Management, which will be available online and in print later this month.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
