Enthusiasm for a more plant-based diet

A new survey conducted by Kieskompas (Dutch Research company specialised in public opinion research and voter analysis)  shows that 20% of young Dutch want to become vegetarian. It also shows that many Dutch people support a more plant-based diet. The research was commissioned by ProVeg Netherlands and involved over 9,000 people. The aim of the study was to map the ‘Dutch plant-based potential’.

The analysis shows that the popularity of a plant-based diet is not limited to young people, but is widespread across the demographics of the study participants. The transition to a more plant-based diet is supported by two-thirds of the Dutch population. According to the report, more than half of the Dutch population has either reduced or completely eliminated meat consumption from thjeir diet. The group of flexitarians has grown to 45%, while 2% are vegans and 7% are vegetarians. Meat eaters (47%) make up the remaining group. Half of the Dutch population who do not identify themselves as vegans or vegetarians state that they would eat less meat. Of the same group, 16% say they would like to become a vegetarian. The main reasons given for the reduction or elimination of animal products are: reducing animal suffering, preventing deforestation, preserving wild animal and plant species and protecting fish populations.

If people did switch to a more plant-based diet, meat consumption could fall by 30%. This would result in CO2 savings of 1.6 megatonnes per year. This is a third of the government’s target for Dutch livestock production by 2030. “The existing desire to eat more plant-based food is very significant. This shows that without forcing or convincing anyone, it is possible to make the Netherlands much more plant-based. It’s up to NGOs, governments and companies to help this group make what they want happen,” says Pablo Moleman, strategic director of ProVeg Netherlands.

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