National Trust Plans 50% Vegan Menu Shift for Climate Goals

The National Trust, one of Europe's largest conservation charities, is considering a significant shift in its culinary offerings. The organization plans to make 50% of its cafe food vegan to support its net-zero ambitions. This proposal will be subject to a vote at the upcoming annual general meeting on November 2, 2024.

Currently, about 40% of the Trust's catering is plant-based nationwide. If the resolution passes, the charity aims to increase this to 50% within two years while maintaining dairy, egg, and meat options on the menu. This change would affect the 280 cafes at National Trust sites, which serve millions of visitors annually.

The Trust cites environmental concerns as a primary motivation for this shift. Animal agriculture is described as "inherently inefficient" in terms of climate impact. By reducing meat and dairy-based items, the organization hopes to minimize its environmental footprint.

Interestingly, the Trust has already made subtle changes to its menu. It faced criticism earlier in 2024 for "secretly" making its scones vegan by switching from butter to vegetable-based spread several years ago.

The charity's decision is supported by research indicating changing dietary habits among the British population. An Ipsos study from 2022 revealed that nearly half of British people aged 16-75 were considering reducing their intake of animal products. The numbers of "flexitarians" and those following plant-based diets were highest among those under 45.

Sir David Attenborough's statement is cited in support of this initiative:

"The planet can't sustain billions of meat-eaters. Moving towards a majority plant-based food system would allow more than 70 per cent of farmland to be freed for nature restoration, a change that would capture massive amounts of carbon and increase biodiversity while still providing enough nutritious food for our growing population."

However, the proposal has faced criticism. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, former North Somerset MP, called it a "silly, attention-seeking proposal." TV farmer Gareth Wyn Jones labeled it hypocritical, given the number of livestock farmers on National Trust land. NFU President Tom Bradshaw emphasized that dietary choices should be personal and informed, not imposed.

The National Trust's initiative aligns with its broader conservation efforts. The organization manages over 500 historic houses, castles, parks, and gardens, and has announced plans to plant 20 million trees by 2030. It also operates the largest network of electric vehicle charging points in the UK and has been involved in rewilding projects across its estates.

This move follows varying degrees of success in vegan initiatives by other organizations. In August 2024, the University of Warwick rejected a vote to turn its catering services fully vegan by 2027, citing cost issues. Conversely, in February 2024, sandwich chain Pret A Manger closed all its vegetarian-only cafes after opening 10 in 2016.

As the National Trust approaches its annual general meeting, its 2.6 million members have until October 25, 2024, to vote online on this resolution. The outcome will shape the future of dining experiences at some of the UK's most beloved historic sites.