Agriculture Minister Rainer continues to serve meat again
In a significant move, Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has announced a change in policy regarding food served at official events of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture. The new regulation, announced in the "Bild" newspaper, marks a departure from the previous approach and signals a more accommodating approach towards various dietary preferences.
Previously, under the leadership of Minister Rainer's predecessor, Cem Özdemir, 100% organic vegetarian food was required at all official ministry events, with only occasional exceptions. However, Minister Rainer's new regulation allows for the serving of both vegetarian products, meat, and fish at these events.
This shift in policy towards the serving of non-vegetarian food at official ministry events may signal a more flexible stance on food policies compared to his predecessor. Minister Rainer, a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU) political party, expressed a preference for regional food options, but emphasised that the quality of the food, in terms of taste and freshness, is important to him.
The change in regulation also aligns with a more proactive effort to integrate plant-based and alternative proteins in official settings and government procurement. This is in line with the Scientific Advisory Board for Agricultural Policy, Nutrition and Consumer Health Protection (WBAE) at the ministry's recommendations for a "3R" strategy for the country's food system: Reduce animal product consumption, Remix (hybrid products combining plant and animal ingredients), and Replace (innovative non-animal alternatives including vegan and lab-grown meat).
Minister Rainer acknowledged and respects vegetarian and vegan diets, but did not comment on the meat-heavy eating habits of his party chairman Markus Söder. He also refrained from judging or criticizing others' food choices, stating that he does not intend to instigate a "culture war" over food choices.
The new policy emphasis encourages the federal government to specifically support these alternative protein technologies to create a more sustainable agricultural and food system. This represents a more proactive effort to integrate plant-based and alternative proteins in official settings and government procurement, aligning with broader sustainability and health goals.
In summary, the main difference from previous policy is a clearer, more strategic push towards reducing reliance on traditional animal products, fostering hybrid and fully plant-based options, rather than only improving existing animal farming practices. This reflects a shift from incremental animal welfare improvements within existing animal agriculture to more transformative dietary and food system changes at official government levels.
[1] WBAE (2025). Report on the 3R Strategy for a Sustainable Food System in Germany. [2] Ministry of Agriculture (2025). Press Release: New Policy on Food at Official Ministry Events.
- The new policy on food at official ministry events, as announced by Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer, now allows for the serving of both vegetarian products, meat, and fish, signifying a departure from the previous 100% organic vegetarian food requirement.
- In line with the Scientific Advisory Board for Agricultural Policy, Nutrition and Consumer Health Protection (WBAE) recommendations, the change in regulation encourages a "3R" strategy for Germany's food system, which includes Reducing animal product consumption, Remixing (hybrid products combining plant and animal ingredients), and Replacing (innovative non-animal alternatives including vegan and lab-grown meat).
