Who's responsible for the facts about red meat consumption?

Last week I mentioned the intemperate advertisements from those promoting veganism. I was surprised that the most measured response came from a young mother with a baby. She kindly enclosed nutritional advice from the HSE and an authoritative new publication on early childhood nutrition. The HSE advice is unequivocal: “Red meat is the best source of iron, give it to your child three to four times a week.”

Where is the co-ordination among farmers, Bord Bia and the meat processors in tackling the persistent anti-meat message?

Given the current attacks on red meat, I was surprised to find such clear advice from both the HSE and respected nutritionists that fruit and vegetables, by themselves, do not provide the critical nutrients that are needed for physical and cognitive development.

Click here for the link to the relevant HSE website. I hadn’t been aware that the evidence and advice was so unambiguous.

But where is our beef and sheep industry in getting this message out? Where is the co-ordination among farmers, Bord Bia and the meat processors in tackling the persistent anti-meat message?

Grass, both grazed and preserved as silage, is the predominant feedstuff for our animals

The National Dairy Council has done it to a limited extent in the case of milk, but on a pittance compared with the financial muscle of the anti-meat movement. Ireland’s agriculture is roughly 75% dependent on the bovine.

Grass, both grazed and preserved as silage, is the predominant feedstuff for our animals.

We need not go into the countrywide economic activity that is generated, or the miracle of turning indigestible fibre into highly nutritious protein, as well as acting as a highly efficient source of essential nutrients and minerals. Yet we are being backed into a corner where we are almost apologising for what we produce rather than proclaiming its virtues.

It’s time for a dramatic rethink on how we portray our red meat industry.

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Beef talks to resume as early as Thursday

Time to curb these vegan-inspired ads