We live in a schizophrenic Europe – on the one hand, agricultural production is being dismantled, and on the other hand, synthetic “meat” is being supported, as stated by Dr. Luigi Scordamaglia, president of Filiera Italia. He also talked about the growing level of food poverty and the Italian fight for a statutory ban on the production, sale and import of synthetic “meat”.
During the Beef Sector Forum, an interesting discussion took place on the growing pressure on beef consumers, discrediting beef in terms of its role in the diet and ethical considerations, i.e. climate protection and animal welfare.
Rising levels of food poverty
Dr. Luigi Scordamaglia, president of Filiera Italia, described the effects of the EC’s efforts towards a green transformation in his lecture.
– We live in a schizophrenic Europe – on the one hand, agricultural production is being dismantled, and on the other hand, synthetic meat is supported. The reduction in agricultural production is undeniable. When launching the Green Deal, Timmermans wanted to hide a lot, but looking at the data prepared by Wageningen University, we know that this slogan covers a decline in agricultural production by up to 30 percent, especially animal production, and also by about 15 percent. increase in food prices – explained the expert.
The speaker emphasized that the increase in food prices will intensify the increase in food poverty, which last year affected every 10th Italian citizen.
– As a consequence, we should expect, among others: increase in food poverty. In Italy in 2023 we had the highest level of food poverty in years. Over 6 million people suffered from it. Approx. 30 years ago, food poverty in Italy reached 3%, while now it is 10%. – said the speaker.
Italy has banned the production, sale and import of synthetic “meat”.
Scordamaglia also said that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) “is giving tacit support to synthetic products by passing various regulations.” However, the Italians decided to protect their market against synthetic food.
– Within a year, we collected the signatures of two million Italian citizens to demand the introduction of the first law in the world banning the production, sale and import of synthetic “meat”, which we are very proud of – said the speaker.
Synthetic food products require careful evaluation
– Of course, a campaign against us has begun, in which we are described as backward and reluctant to research and innovation. This is not true. However, we must have time to think sensibly about these products. There are many doubts about them. There are unprecedented risk factors. Significant changes are needed, including in EFSA guidelines, to ensure effective preclinical and clinical testing and a sound evaluation process. We’re not talking about insects or anything that is already considered food in some parts of the world. Synthetic food products are completely new and should go through a thorough evaluation process. It may take years, but we need complete certainty. If such studies are carried out, we will come to terms with their results, explained Scordamaglia.
The speaker added that the economic and social consequences of implementing synthetic food should also be estimated, especially since in his opinion laboratory “meat” is just the beginning.
– In a moment, synthetic milk will be created, then fish, and then fruit and vegetables. So we need to understand the effects on the millions of people who depend on agricultural production. This must be a conscious decision in which citizens also participate. For this, however, we need objective scientific research, undisturbed by the influence of interest groups, such as large companies investing in synthetic food, the speaker noted.
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