Meat consumption slightly increased in the Netherlands, research shows

Meat consumption last year rose slightly to 38.1 kilograms per person, up from 38 kilograms the previous year, said Wakker Dier this week. The animal welfare organization cited figures from a new study it commissioned, which was carried out by Wageningen University & Research. The animal rights group said it was disappointed.

"Every year it fluctuates here and there by an ounce or kilo, but the decrease that is so badly needed is not forthcoming," said Wakker Dier in reference to the impact meat production has on the environment. Additionally, the animals used in factory farming have a “bad life,” said Wakker Dier.

Compared to their first measurements in 2005, meat consumption has only fallen by 300 grams per person, according to the organization. "The Climate Agreement states that we should eat less animal protein. Where we currently get 60 percent of our proteins from animal products, this should decrease to 40 percent,” the organization said.

“Virtually nothing is being done to get closer to this target. The government must take control, but now it pretends its nose is bloodied," grumbled Wakker Dier.

The animal rights group, together with the nutrition advisor Voedingscentrum, hopes that supermarkets will tempt their customers even more to eat plant-based products and smaller portions of meat. The idea is that consumers want to eat something different, but could use some help figuring it out.

Eating less meat is also healthier, said Wakker Dier.