Members of the National Trust are set to vote on a proposal that would see 50% of food served in the charity’s 280 cafe locations become vegan and vegetarian by 2026. The move is part of the Trust’s broader goal to reach net zero by 2030, as it aims to improve sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint.
Currently, 40% of the menus at National Trust cafes are plant-based, but this could rise to 50% if the resolution is passed at the Trust’s annual general meeting on 2 November, with online votes due by 25 October. While the charity has supported the proposal, it has faced sharp criticism from various corners.
Former Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg called the plan “a silly, attention-seeking proposal,” and Welsh farmer Gareth Wyn Jones described it as “ridiculous” for a charity that owns vast lands populated by livestock farms. Additionally, National Farmers’ Union President Tom Bradshaw argued that food choices should remain personal, rather than being imposed.
In response, a National Trust spokesperson clarified that the charity has no intention of removing meat, dairy, or eggs from its menus. Instead, it aims to diversify its food offerings in response to shifting visitor preferences while also helping combat climate change. The spokesperson emphasized that the Trust remains committed to working with farmers.
The resolution cites environmental advocates like David Attenborough to support the move towards plant-based food systems. Research shows that reducing meat consumption could free up farmland for nature restoration and carbon capture, contributing to biodiversity.
This proposal aligns with growing trends across the UK, as universities and organizations embrace plant-based diets. Recent surveys show that nearly half of British adults are reducing their meat consumption, and students at several UK universities have voted in favor of transitioning to vegan menus.
The vote reflects an ongoing debate about the role of food choices in sustainability and climate action, as the National Trust balances tradition with modern environmental challenges.