Plant-based action plans are government strategies for the promotion of plant-based food development, production and consumption. The best known is the international Plant Based Treaty. Some countries have developed their own plans including Denmark and South Korea.[1][2]

Plant Based Treaty

Launched in 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow, the Plant Based Treaty is an international treaty that has been signed by cities around the world that has the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture. It encourages carbon labeling on menus and transitioning to plant-based meals on school menus, known as vegan school meals, and council menus.[3] It is modelled on the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.[4]

The treaty calls for:

Los Angeles became the 20th city to endorse the treaty when the Los Angeles City Council voted to support it in October 2022.[6] In 2023, Edinburgh was the first European capital city to sign the treaty.[7] In January 2024, Exmouth became the fifth UK council to endorse the treaty.[4] The Plant Based Treaty released its Safe and Just report at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai.[8]

Denmark

The Danish Handlingsplan for plantebaserede fødevarer was launched on 13 October 2023 to reduce emissions and complement the government dietary guidelines.[9] It follows a political agreement in Denmark from 2021. The plan includes training of public and private kitchen chefs on preparing plant-based meals, more plant-based food in primary schools and curricula, as well as export initiatives for Danish plant-based food. The plan complements a 1 billion kroner (€168 million) government investment for plant-based startups.[10]

South Korea

The South Korean action plan was announced in 2023 and includes the promotion of plant-based exports, but in contrast to Denmark, includes R&D support with the installation of an alternative food research support centre.[2]

References

  1. ^ Vegconomist (2023-10-24). "South Korea Becomes Second Country to Embrace National Plan for Plant-Based Foods". Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  2. ^ a b 신선미 (2023-10-23). "식물성 대체식품 산업 키운다…농식품부, 12월 활성화방안 발표". 연합뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  3. ^ "Edinburgh becomes first European capital to commit to shift towards vegan diets". The Herald. 2023-01-18. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  4. ^ a b PRSD (2024-01-10). "Exmouth signs Plant Based Treaty to reduce town's carbon footprint". the PRSD. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  5. ^ "NGO urges leaders in COP27 to discuss 'plant-based treaty'". aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 2022-11-13. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  6. ^ Writer, Morgan Owen LA Downtown News Staff (2022-11-11). "LA City Council endorses Plant Based Treaty". Los Angeles Downtown News - The Voice of Downtown Los Angeles. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  7. ^ "Why has this European capital endorsed the Plant Based Treaty?". euronews. 2023-01-18. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  8. ^ "This group has an idea to help save the planet: Everyone should go vegan". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  9. ^ Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries (2023). "Handlingsplan for plantebaserede fødevarer". fvm.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  10. ^ "Denmark publishes world's first national action plan for plant-based foods - GFI Europe". gfieurope.org. 2023-10-13. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
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