Dozens of livestock farmers turned up with their tractors to protest against a call for them to move away from animal-based farming as the Forest Council considered a move to encourage vegan food.
Some 18 tractors parked up outside Forest council’s offices in Coleford ahead of their meeting on Thursday.
And around 35 farmers voiced their strong opposition to a motion which called for farmers to move away from meat and dairy production in a bid to tackle climate change.
The proposal by Cllr Jacob Sanders (Lab, Cinderford West), called on the council to “work with the local farming community to encourage them to grow and find markets for more sustainable plant based produce.”
Cllr Saunders, who is a vegan, said that without a significant reduction in use of the products of animal agriculture, the council would not be able to meet its climate emergency objectives.
The motion also called on the council to use its influence to encourage the promotion of plant-based foods wherever possible by organisations and businesses in the district.
“To this end, the council will seek to inform, educate and persuade.
“And set up a task group to invite experts to promote replacement of animal products with sustainable plant-based food in the Forest.”
Richard Morgan, a farmer from Lydney, speaking just before the meeting, said moves towards plant-based farming would put his livelihood, and that of many Forest farmers like him, at risk.
“You shouldn’t be dictated as to what you are allowed to eat and not. It’s all about a balanced and healthy diet and a balance for the environment.
“We all know if you take out the animal side of it, nature is just going to collapse.”
And farmer Bill Osborne, a former Labour councillor said livestock farming is vital for the UK.
“You can’t do away with livestock farming if you want to feed the country,” he said.
“The trouble is Labour don’t believe in democracy or freedom of speech as many members have found out.
“Of course, it’s a Labour councillor who has brought the motion.”