EVANA Interview with Jens Holm, member of the European Parliament representing the Swedish Left Party:

'get involved in politics. Please!'

On 4 March 2009, Jens Holm, member of the European Parliament representing the Swedish Left Party, launched more language versions of the brochure “The livestock industry and climate – EU makes bad worse”. The brochure was written by him and Toivo Jokkala and offers a detailed and comprehensive insight into the connection of meat production, EU policies and environmental degradation.

We used the opportunity to ask the Swedish MEP about his views on possible strategies to reduce meat production, and about some other important issues.



March 2009

EVANA: Some more language versions of your brochure are now available. How many translations have been made so far and how can people read and order them?

JENS HOLM: The brochures are presently available in Croatian, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish; more translations are being prepared. Free copies can be ordered (e-mail news@evana.org) but they can also be downloaded.


What gave you and your co-author the idea to write such a comprehensive report about meat and climate?

The meat industry is one of the world’s biggest environmental culprit. When I discovered the billions of Euros the European Union used to spur this industry, I got upset and wanted to change the system.


In 2007 you asked the Commission whether it endorsed the conclusions of the FAO report on the livestock sector's impact on greenhouse gas emissions and what measures would be taken to reduce substantially the adverse impact of the livestock sector on our environment. Did you receive a constructive answer?

Well, yes and no. The Commission promised to undertake an investigation on the environmental impacts of the meat industry. So that report is actually coming along, I think by the summer. But I´m worried if the Commission will try to do its best to reduce that industry’s impact. The meat-lobby pressure is very intense.


You suggested recently that we “should abolish meat subsidies, let meat bear its own environmental costs and work to make modern vegetarian food cheaper”. So how could a combination of eliminating subsidies for the meat sector plus the introduction of a tax on meat take pressure off the tax payer and also off the environment?

The important thing with a meat tax is that the money should stay in the system. That means that the revenues, which could be quite substantial, should be used to reduce the price on what is good for the environment, fruit, vegetables and meat alternatives such as beans and sausages made of beans, peas and cereals.


Can you envisage a coalition strong and influential enough to successfully lobby for such a change in the hitherto so terribly burdensome European agriculture strategies?

Yes. There are so many benefits to gain from reduced meat consumption: for the environment, health, money to be saved and, not the least, for the animals.


What can vegetarian organizations do to assist in efforts to have meat subsidies axed, a financial system of meat taxes launched etc? What measures do you recommend?

Put pressure on your politicians! And get involved in politics. Regardless if you are red, green or dark blue, you can always influence. I have the feeling that perhaps too much pressure has been put on lifestyle issues and so called consumer power. Nothing bad with that, but if you´d like to influence, you have to work on a more systematic power level.


What is your opinion about the European policy regarding fish farming after European trawlers have swept the oceans empty?

ANSWER: It´s extremely upsetting.




The health problems of meat consumption are now widely known. Do you think it would help consumers if detailed warning labels on meat packages were provided, just like on cigarette cartons?

Yes, of course. But I´m pretty sure that a meat tax would be more efficient. Information is one thing, but when your wallet is hit you´ll really see the change in habits. I´d also like to stress that the revenues from a meat tax should be used to lower the prices on healthy food such as vegetables and fruit. In the end the consumer would not be badly affected, rather the opposite. To me that´s essential since I come from a political party that tries to represent the working class.


Would you agree to the claim that vegetarians are better global citizens?

I´m not sure. Of course, if you look into our environmental footprint, but as persons I´m not sure.


An overwhelming majority of EU member states rebuffed the Commission’s efforts to squash Austria’s and Hungary’s restrictions against GM crops. What else will be necessary to convince the Commission that Europe refuses GM foods? Will they ever get the message and take a resounding European NO for an answer?

Yes, that´s certainly what´s needed. But the Commission is under very hard pressure from Agri-business, or rather Agri-business rules the Commission. The Commission and the whole of European Union needs to be reformed.


According to EFSA GM crops are safe. Many scientists and consumers beg to differ! What can the Europeans do to stay clear of products they absolutely do not want? Is a solid and reliable labeling system in place?

Labelling is not enough. I´d like to see a total ban.


The recent “Global Trade and Farm Animal Welfare Conference”, organized by the European Commission and some NGOs, appeared like the summit of the meat industry. Even though some organizations working for improved conditions for farm animals were taking part, ‘vegetarianism’ was the dark cloud, better not to be addressed. Do you think that ethical aspects stand any chance whatsoever when opposed to economic interests?

Well, in the long run I hope so.


Many activists do not consider the European Union of being really interested in the wellbeing of animals. What kind of support can national animal rights activists offer to give more clout to the efforts by compassionate politicians who are doing their best to improve the situation? How can we help?

Once again, get involved in politics. Please!


The meat industry demands a really astronomical number of animal victims, not one single species is safe from slaughter. Wild animals are being exterminated for fur, ivory, meat and those surviving are pushed out of their habitats. Millions of hapless creatures are killed in labs or suffer for human entertainment. The use of animals, no matter how, is a horrible reality and the cruelty involved absolutely mind boggling. Do you see any light at this dark tunnel of global suffering?

We get more and more information. That is good.


Would you consider Brussels, the “capital of Europe”, and its airport catering system as a veggie-friendly area? And what about the European Parliament?

It´s actually not too bad, in the cantina the veggie food is pretty good. But, of course, in the EP the main focus is on meat. Unfortunately. Also I am planning to host a vegetarian event in the European Parliament at the end of April.


What was your most impressive experience during your work as MEP? And the most depressing?

Most impressive, perhaps when the Climate committee voted in favour of my amendments on reducing meat consumption. The most depressing one was probably when all those were voted down in the whole of the European Parliament (in the plenary). A concrete effect of lobbying from the meat interests.


A last question is a personal one, if you don’t mind: Have you always loved animals or was there a particular event in your life which triggered your compassion for them?

I certainly have not always loved animals, and I do not think I do it at this stage either. I just want us, humans, to treat them with respect. You don´t have to love them for that.


Before you even arrived in “Euroland”, EVANA was already informed that ‘a vegan MEP from Sweden’ was about to join the European Parliament. We were really delighted about the prospect of a veg* ally in high places! Of course, we hate to see you leave in June but hope that we can also cooperate in future, wherever you may go. You’ll certainly stay in politics?

Yes, for sure. Once you start you can never stop :- ) Let´s keep in touch!

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The international EVANA Team wants to thank Jens Holm for all his initiatives aiming at the creation of a better world and wish him, his family and his work the best of luck!


Jens Holm
EU-parlamentariker (v)
Member of European Parliament, GUE/NGL
www.jensholm.se
jens.holm@europarl.europa.eu
tel: + 46 76 847 03 28

Source: MEP Jens Holm
Author: Herma Caelen spoke to Jens Holm

Link: Humanity's rapidly increasing appetite for meat is fast becoming a matter of global consequence. Paul Roberts on the science, and morality, of our planet's modern palate
Link: Meat Climate Org
Link: MEP Jens Holm co-launched the petition to the UN 'Food vs Feed'
Link: The livestock industry and climate/EU makes bad worse