Grünen-Politiker Anton Hofreiter criticizes designee Agricultural Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) for his statements on future meat consumption in childcare facilities and schools. “I personally have nothing to do with these cultural war tones in the field of nutrition” Hofreiter said in an interview with the television channel “Welt.” “And when it’s said that ‘children should eat more meat,’ I believe it’s wise and right to let people decide for themselves what they want to eat.” What the task of a Ministry of Agriculture is, according to Hofreiter, is to clarify political questions. “For example: Are animals being treated well? For example: Is groundwater being protected? For example: Do farmers in our country have a sustainable perspective? And not prescribe to people whether they should eat meat or not.”
The trained butcher and designee Agricultural Minister Rainer had previously told “Bild” that he also sees the importance of nutrition in schools and childcare facilities where meat should be as much on the menu as fruit and vegetables. Additionally, Rainer believes that meat can become cheaper in the future rather than more expensive. He rejects price hikes for meat over value-added tax or other politically imposed levies.