SE Nebraska News

Today, Congressman Mike Flood released a statement regarding the upcoming United Nations COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled from November 11th to 22nd.

Flood expressed concerns about the presence of anti-meat activists at these summits. "As COP29 kicks off next week, the Biden administration has an important job to do. COP summits have increasingly become a forum for anti-meat activists who want to restructure our food supply and end our way of life. Following last year’s anti-meat guidelines, over 150 NGOs are pushing to curtail meat consumption as the parties convene again," he stated.

He urged Secretary Vilsack and other officials attending from the Biden administration to resist any efforts aimed at reducing or eliminating meat production. "During the summit, it’s critical that Secretary Vilsack and other Biden officials in attendance push back on any attempt to reduce or eliminate meat production. Meat is an incredibly efficient way to deliver protein and is foundational to the world’s food security and a healthy diet. The entire delegation needs to fight for America’s farm and ranch families who help grow the food that feeds the world."

The U.S. State Department recently announced its delegation members for COP29, including U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

In anticipation of COP29, over 150 NGOs signed a letter advocating for a transition away from animal protein overconsumption.

Last year, Congressman Flood introduced a resolution opposing a new food systems strategy from the United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organization unveiled at COP28.