The French government has unveiled a long-awaited strategy aimed at promoting healthier eating while addressing climate change. The National Strategy for Food, Nutrition, and Climate, known as “Snanc,” was jointly released by the Ministries of Agriculture, Ecological Transition, and Health. This plan outlines the government’s objectives for sustainable eating practices leading up to 2030.
Key Points of the Snanc Strategy
Snanc is rooted in discussions from the Citizens’ Climate Convention and is informed by the Climate and Resilience Law from 2021. The strategy emphasizes the need for better food choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but has sparked debate over its wording regarding meat consumption.
Limiting Meat and Charcuterie Consumption
- The strategy advises limiting meat and charcuterie consumption.
- The initial proposal included the term “reduction,” but this faced resistance.
- Ultimately, the focus shifted to “limitation,” though this also faced scrutiny from government officials.
Objectives Outlined by the Government
The Snanc strategy includes several key objectives:
- Reduce the consumption of imported meat.
- Increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains.
- Encourage a balanced intake of fish and dairy products.
- Promote limited consumption of meat and charcuterie.
Significance of Food Choices on Carbon Emissions
Food choices significantly impact carbon footprints. It is reported that nearly a quarter of the carbon footprint of the French population is attributable to food. Among this, 61% of emissions come from animal products. This highlights the urgency of transitioning towards a more sustainable diet.
Overall, the Snanc strategy represents a crucial step in aligning public health goals with climate action initiatives in France.
