Parliamentary Resolution on Recommendations from Citizen Council on Changing Dietary Habits
Berlin, February 11, 2025
The German Bundestag has passed a resolution addressing the recommendations put forward by the Citizen Council on “Changing Dietary Habits: Balancing Individual Choice and Public Responsibility.” The council, composed of 160 randomly selected citizens from across Germany, had been tasked with considering various aspects of the issue and making recommendations for government action.
The resolution, which passed with a majority vote, acknowledges the importance of addressing dietary habits in light of public health concerns and environmental sustainability. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that balances individual freedom of choice with the promotion of healthy and sustainable dietary practices.
Key Recommendations Adopted by the Bundestag:
- Promotion of Plant-Based Diets: The government will implement measures to encourage the consumption of plant-based foods, which are recognized as being healthier and more environmentally friendly.
- Support for Food Education: Educational initiatives will be launched to raise awareness about healthy dietary choices and the benefits of reducing meat consumption.
- Farm Subsidy Reforms: Subsidies for animal agriculture will be gradually reduced and shifted towards supporting sustainable farming practices that promote plant-based production.
- Taxation of Meat and Dairy Products: A moderate tax will be imposed on meat and dairy products to discourage overconsumption and encourage healthier choices.
- Labeling and Transparency: Clear and informative labeling of food products will be introduced to empower consumers to make informed dietary decisions.
Rationale Behind the Recommendations:
The recommendations were based on extensive research and consultation with experts in nutrition, agriculture, and public health. The Citizen Council found that dietary habits have a significant impact on both individual and public health, as well as on the environment.
Changing dietary habits towards more plant-based options can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. It can also contribute to mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and land use associated with animal agriculture.
Implementation and Monitoring:
The resolution calls on the government to prioritize the implementation of the recommendations within the next five years. A monitoring system will be established to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the measures.
The resolution also emphasizes the importance of engaging with stakeholders, including food producers, retailers, consumer organizations, and health professionals, to ensure widespread support and successful implementation of the recommendations.
Implications and Outlook:
The adoption of this resolution marks a significant step forward in Germany’s efforts to address dietary habits from a public health and sustainability perspective. The implementation of the recommendations is expected to have a profound impact on food systems, consumer behavior, and the overall health and well-being of the German population.
The resolution is also seen as a signal of growing recognition within the political sphere of the need for systemic change in the way we produce and consume food. It is hoped that the German example will inspire other countries to take similar actions and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable global food system.
20/14922: Antrag Umgang mit den Empfehlungen des Bürgerrates „Ernährung im Wandel: Zwischen Privatangelegenheit und staatlichen Aufgaben“ (PDF)
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