EU ministers clash over Hungary’s stance on vegetarian and insect-based food preferences
Ministers from Spain and Germany criticized Hungary’s position on “novel foods” at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels. The Hungarian presidency advocated for protecting Europe’s culinary traditions from products like edible insects and vegetarian alternatives to meat and dairy. However, Spain and Germany disagreed, emphasizing that innovation and tradition can coexist.
According to the European Commission, the consumption of vegetarian alternatives has increased significantly, and the EU has approved the sale of several insect species. Spain’s Agriculture Minister defended traditional foods but also supported consumer choice and innovation in food production. Germany’s green agriculture minister echoed the sentiment, stating that people should have the freedom to choose novel foods if they wish.
Some member states, like Austria and Italy, aligned with Hungary’s position on preserving traditional and regional food production. They emphasized the importance of comprehensive risk assessments and transparent labeling for innovative food products. Italy’s Agriculture Minister also highlighted the need to protect the environment, culture, and quality of life in addition to traditional food production.
Hungary’s stance on gene-edited food regulations raised concerns, with negotiations on NGT regulation being restarted. Hungary’s Agriculture Minister expressed a willingness to find a compromise on the issue. Discussions on gene-editing techniques are set to continue soon.
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John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.