Greenpeace converse Fleischwerk: Protest against factory farming!

Greenpeace converse Fleischwerk: Protest against factory farming!

Lüttow-Valluhn, Deutschland - On Thursday, Lüttow-Valluhn, in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, occurred an impressive protest of Greenpeace activists. Around 35 environmentalists found themselves in front of the meat plant, which belongs to the Edeka Group, and set a sign against the mass production of cheap meat. A truck access was blocked and several banners were hung up to point out the grievances that are associated with factory farming.

Some activists even climbed onto the flat roof of the production hall and roped down, while others chained to a ladder to block access to the roof. Greenpeace criticizes that EDEKA processes meat from animal welfare and thus tightening the climate crisis. The protest was particularly directed against the emissions caused by meat production, including harmful gases such as methane and CO₂. The police reported that the campaign was peaceful, but the activists were asked to leave the site. Since not everyone followed the call, special forces brought them from the roof via a turntable ladder.

meat consumption and its challenges

The discussion about factory farming and meat consumption is more current than ever. According to Destatis, meat consumption in Germany has increased to around 71.4 kg per capita. This is in the context of a global increase in meat consumption, which is driven by the growing world population and changed eating habits in emerging countries. After an analysis, global meat consumption rose from 41.4 kg in 2012 to 44.5 kg per capita in 2022.

This development brings with it considerable ecological challenges. Intensive livestock farming not only requires large areas, but also causes a high load for floors and water. The increase in animal stocks, especially for chickens, which grown from 15.8 billion in 2002 to 26.6 billion in 2022, goes hand in hand with a strong increase in meat production and the associated emissions.

The role of Edeka and regional action

The meat plant in Lüttow Valluhn is one of 15 works that process more than half a million tons of meat every year. This production is estimated to cause around six million tons of CO₂ emissions. With such a scope, one can say that the meat industry is one of the largest causes of climate -damaging emissions not only in Germany, but worldwide. The factory sale of the meat plant was closed during the protest, and the fire brigade finally had to remove the suspended banner.

In times when awareness of climatic and ethical questions increases, it becomes clear that a fundamental discussion about alternatives to factory farming and a change in consumption behavior are necessary. Greenpeace's protest is a step in this direction and shows that people are ready to stand up for a change.