Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement in response to Congressman Mike Flood’s introduction of a resolution condemning the United Nations (UN) Food Strategy released at the COP28.
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“I appreciate Congressman Flood’s leadership on this very important issue. The United Nations’ radical attack on agriculture undermines the livelihoods of Nebraska farmers and ranchers, as well as those in other states where agriculture is an economic driver.
"Anti agriculture activism damages the world’s food system and hurts the hungry. In Nebraska, our farmers and ranchers raise their products using sustainable methods, designed to protect the land and resources on which they rely.
"I urge the House of Representatives to pass Congressman Flood’s resolution, recognizing Nebraska’s collective role in feeding the world and saving the planet.â€
The resolution states:[break]
"Disapproving of recommendations by the United Nations to reduce meat consumption in the United States.
"Whereas meat is a nutrient-rich source of protein that is enjoyed by many people in the United States and efficiently delivers calories and vitamins, greatly contributing to the world’s food security;
"Whereas the United States is the world’s largest producer of beef;
"Whereas according to the Foreign Agriculture Service, in 2022, the United States exported 1,000,000 metric tons of beef valued $11.71 billion
"Whereas the United States is the world’s third-largest producer and consumer of pork and pork products;
"Whereas according to the Foreign Agriculture Service, in 2022, pork was the most widely consumed meat across the globe at 112,538 metric tons, representing 42 percent of all meat consumed;
"Whereas the United States is the world’s largest producer of poultry meat;
"Whereas animal proteins are complete proteins and contain more protein per calorie than plant proteins;
"Whereas agriculture, food, and related industries contributed 5.4 percent or roughly $1.264 trillion to United States gross domestic product in 2021;
"Whereas, in 2022, 22.1 million full and part time jobs were related to the agricultural and food sectors, which is 10.4 percent of total employment in the United States;
"Whereas, in 2021, meat and poultry plants employed the largest percentage of food and beverage manufacturing workers;"
"Whereas the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is expected to publish its global food systems’ road map to 1.5 degree Celsius recommending the reduction of meat consumption
"Whereas opposes the use of any Federal resources to support attempts to reduce meat consumption." ■