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Discussion about meat tax in germany
Germany is already one of the countries with the highest proportion of vegetarians and vegans in the world. Meat consumption has been falling there for years. Yet it is not enough, according to climate conscious politicians. Proposals are being made to increase the tax on meat. The proceeds should be used to help farmers to improve the living conditions of animals, to finance climate measures and to improve the health of the Germans by encouraging them to eat less meat. So the knife would cut on many sides.
The proposal is to increase VAT on meat products from 7% to 19%. The increase would initiate a change in behaviour, just like the excise duties on alcohol, cigarettes and plastic bags. However, there are also opponents. For example, the proposals would harm farmers, mean little for the living conditions of animals and have a disproportionate impact on consumers with lower incomes. The lower income groups would switch to cheaper meat products, thus overshooting the target. It is therefore argued that organic meat products should be excluded from the price increase. Update: Research has been conducted in the Netherlands into the relationship between sustainable food and healthy eating. Sander Biesbroek's PhD research: https://www.rivm.nl/nieuws/onderzoek-naar-gezonder-en-duurzamer-eten https://lnkd.in/d7cixHY |
Photo used under Creative Commons from tedeytan
