A tweet advocating consumers cut back on red meat consumption has been deleted by the Environmental Protection Agency following objections from the Irish Farmers' Association.
The tweet posted yesterday by the EPA's X account, formerly Twitter, urged consumers to "try veggie recipes" and "reduce your red meat consumption slowly: veggie lunches, Meat Free Mondays etc".
The tweet also pointed out that 10% of meat bought is thrown out.
Following a complaint from the IFA, the EPA responded to the farming organisation saying it was its intention to share helpful advice, not to cause anger but it acknowledged it may have been perceived differently.
"Therefore we have deleted the tweet and would welcome the opportunity to meet with the IFA," the EPA said.
The IFA had told the EPA the tweet had caused "considerable anger amongst farmers who feel it goes beyond the remit of the EPA and is not consistent with Government dietary guidelines".
The IFA also requested a meeting to discuss the post, which the EPA has agreed to.
In response to the deleted tweet, the EPA said: "The EPA has a responsibility to provide the public with advice on any measure that may help to protect and sustain our environment and lower carbon emissions.
"We regularly share sustainable options on social media platforms that some people might like to explore and, from time to time, this includes advice on food and food waste.
"We acknowledge that this particular tweet was open to interpretation.
"Our intention was to share helpful advice, not to cause any confusion, but we acknowledge how it may have been perceived differently.
"Therefore, we decided to remove the tweet to avoid any unnecessary attention on what is a complex area. We are engaging with agricultural groups on this and we are confident that the engagement will bring clarity for all."
Meanwhile, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) has asked the EPA to clarify what it called "political campaigning against meat".
ICSA president Dermot Kelleher said: "ICSA was taken aback to see a blatant anti-meat crusade on the EPA social media platforms in the past few days.
"The tweet might well be acceptable from a vegan or vegetarian lobby group.
"However, in the context of a body charged with environmental regulation, and key data measurement in respect of climate and water, it really isn’t good judgement to be seen to be actively campaigning against Irish livestock products."
