I was recently involved in a short discussion between farmers on what to have for dinner at an upcoming get-together.

Beef farmers wanted steak. Us sheep lads wanted lamb. The tillage people wanted vegetarian options.

Dairy folk didn’t mind what was on the menu as long as everyone got a pint of milk with it.

It was all in half-jest of course, but it got me thinking about how the particular food we produce influences the opinions we hold.

My business depends on people eating lamb, but is that enough of a reason for me to try to influence something as important as the diet of my family and friends?

Beef or salmon

At a wedding a years ago I was at a table with a neighbouring beef farmer. The waiter came to take our order and the main course option was beef or salmon.

When the first few people at the table went for salmon, the neighbour got agitated and said aloud, “Jaysus, will ye not do something for the poor farmers among ye?”

It got a laugh in fairness and the waiter continued taking the rest of the table’s order.

There is no way of telling, but I often wondered if his outburst caused the remaining diners to lean towards beef rather than the fisherman’s option.

Less meat or no meat

If people ate lamb for breakfast, dinner, and supper, then my business would improve. But do I think that’s sustainable? No.

It would cause more problems for society with health inevitably suffering from such an unbalanced diet.

So, should people eat less meat or maybe no meat at all?

To that I would say people should eat whatever food they need to get enough of their daily needs – no more, no less.

As an aside, aren’t we lucky in the western world to be having such a debate, unlike those countries being ravaged by war, famine and starvation?

If you can get your fuel from a meat-free diet and feel energetic and healthy, so be it. If meat and dairy contribute to your fuel, energy, and health needs, then equally so be it.

It’s not fair or useful to pretend this is a one-or-the-other game.

One thing everyone can agree on surely is that we all need to be healthier. We need society as a whole to encourage sustainable lifestyles and a healthy diet.

This is where the CAP comes into view perhaps. Would it be outside the remit of the European Commission to try using the CAP for citizen health gains?

To paraphrase a famous quote: “A happy farmer should not be the goal of CAP. A happy farmer should be the by-product of CAP.”

Kieran Sullivan and his brother farm part-time in Co. Waterford. You can follow him on Twitter: @kieran_sullivan

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