WASHINGTON — US Representative Mike Flood (R-Neb.) introduced a resolution on Dec. 11 that pushes back against the United Nations’ (UN) strategy to reduce meat consumption in the United States.

While the UN’s approach promotes the reduction of meat in diets, Flood emphasized the role livestock play in global food security.

“The UN’s plans for your diet would be nothing short of a disaster for your health and food security worldwide,” Flood said. “Meat is one of the most efficient ways to deliver protein, and here in the Beef State, cattle are a critical part of the Golden Triangle that’s supplying clean ethanol fuel around the world. The resolution I’m introducing today makes it clear that the United States opposes any attempt to reduce or eliminate meat production.”

At COP28 over the weekend, the UN’s Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended reducing the amount of meat in diets as a means to lower carbon emissions. FAO suggested diets favor non-meat alternatives. Additionally, the organization suggested meat production be “rebalanced,” according to the press release from Flood’s office.

Flood represents the First Congressional District of Nebraska, where multiple meat processing facilities reside as well as thousands of farm and ranch families. He is a member of the Congressional Beef Caucus.