French cattle farmers criticize Cannes for beef ban amid environmental efforts

FRANCE – Cannes, the prestigious film gathering, is currently facing backlash from French farmers over its decision to ban beef at the prestigious film festival.

The festival, known for its glamor and star-studded events, is striving to reduce its carbon footprint by offering more environmentally friendly vegetarian options instead of meat.

However, this move has sparked anger among French cattle farmers.

Interbev, the national association representing livestock and meat producers, is voicing strong opposition to the beef ban.

The group is advocating for an “eco-responsible food policy” that includes meat, emphasizing that beef should not be excluded from efforts to combat climate change.

Interbev expresses regret over the festival’s decision, arguing that it unfairly targets red meat.

A spokesperson for the group highlights that the policy paradoxically encourages the import of other food products, overlooking France’s sustainable beef production.

The spokesperson points out that French beef is produced through a pasture-based, small-scale, and self-sufficient model that respects animal welfare.

The group further argues that beef farming in France supports soil fertility and biodiversity.

They assert that beef is part of a balanced diet and an essential element of France’s culinary heritage and regional identities. Interbev believes an eco-responsible food policy should prioritize a diverse range of local products.

This controversy comes as Cannes announces a series of environmental policies, including reducing the frequency of red carpet replacements and using electric vehicles to transport stars.

The festival is also replacing disposable paper coffee cups with washable plastic ones.

In its 2024 environmental guidelines, the Cannes festival states its commitment to offering more vegetarian options and eliminating beef from its menus.

The festival justifies the ban by citing that beef production generates nearly five times more greenhouse gas emissions than white meat, making the ban an effective measure to reduce the carbon impact of food.

Despite these environmental efforts, many stars attending the festival, such as Anya Taylor-Joy, Demi Moore, and Cate Blanchett, continue to arrive by plane.

High-profile attendees like Adam Driver, Emma Stone, Francis Ford Coppola, and Greta Gerwig are also likely flying to southern France for the event.

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