BERKELEY SPEARS: Local governments must transition away from animal agriculture
After 16 months of pressure from grassroots activists, Berkeley (California) marked the first time ever that a U.S. city set a plan to shift all its government food purchases to 100% plant-based.
CRYSTAL HEATH: After 16 months of pressure from grassroots activists — and an insurgent campaign by an animal rights activist in the 2020 mayoral race — the Berkeley City Council passed a resolution adopting a goal of 100% plant-based food purchases for the city’s jail and government functions, beginning with a 50% shift by 2024… It marked the first time ever that a U.S. city set a plan to shift its food purchases to 100% plant-based….
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to look at what factors brought us here and how we can build a future with the One Health concept in mind, and it can all start with the city of Berkeley… We need to stress the importance of this move for the benefit of all species, including humans, and our planet. It is vital that all local governments adopt this kind of policy to clear the path for a more sustainable, just and equitable food system…
An example of the importance of One Health can be drawn from my experience volunteering with fellow veterinarians in Fiji. The pandemic began during my third trip there, where I was spaying and neutering animals in rural villages that did not have access to medical care. The dog and cat overpopulation problem was leading to a great deal of animal suffering, abuse and neglect…
Veterinary organizations, influenced by the animal agriculture industry, have facilitated the expansion and growth of factory farming by legitimizing abusive practices such as gestation crates, painful beak trimming, surgical removal of body parts without anesthesia and ventilation shutdown. With the advent of antibiotics, genetic modification and other modern technologies, we have helped the animal agriculture industry pack more and more animals into tighter spaces and create beings that produce more meat, milk and eggs than nature could have ever envisioned.
But the younger generation of veterinarians cares about climate change, justice and science. Unfortunately, many young professionals fear backlash for pushing back against the animal agriculture industry, which wields influence over our profession and government. We must recognize that animal agriculture threatens our future in the form of avian and swine flu, greenhouse gas emissions, destruction of rainforests and antibiotic-resistant bacteria…
But it is possible to build a more sustainable food system, where governments stop propping up animal agriculture via taxpayer subsidies and instead put funding toward a more sustainable food system — one where we don’t have to hurt animals…. But entrenched corporate interests are fighting back against the systemic changes that are needed to create a more compassionate and healthy world…
Activists, however, need to stay motivated to ensure the City Council holds true to its promises. Similar legislation has been passed in Germany, Helsinki and London’s Enfield Council. Now, starting with progressive officials committed to changing government spending patterns, our generation must build a food system that feeds the growing world population, protects our rainforests, safeguards public health and doesn’t harm animals. SOURCE…
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