Agriculture Minister Henk Staghouwer is going to investigate the introduction of a levy on meat. “The government also has the option of providing incentives for more sustainable and healthier choices via price signals, without restricting people’s freedom,” the minister said in a letter about food policy. The study takes into account “the feasibility of the measure”.
The idea is that the proceeds of such a levy would then go to livestock farmers, who can use that money to make them more sustainable.
Promote healthier and more sustainable
Previously, research commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture showed that a meat tax that specifically benefits organic farmers can be an effective means.
In the coalition agreement, the cabinet already announced that it wanted to levy extra tax on sugary drinks, and that it no longer wanted to levy VAT on fruit and vegetables. In this way “consumers can be encouraged to make affordable, healthier and more sustainable choices”, Staghouwer thinks.
What do you think?
How do you view this? Is this a good idea to make livestock farming more sustainable? Or is it just a way to bring in more money? Let us know.