Norwegian Meat Reduction Policy and Rural Counter-Culture: Balancing Matters of Concern in Sustainability Transition

Keywords: Meat reduction, sustainability transition, Norwegian agriculture, rural counter-culture, center-periphery
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 46

Abstract

In January 2020, the Norwegian authorities' recent climate gas reduction research, Klimakur 2030 [Climate Cure 2030] elicited heated debate. It promoted meat reduction as a primary tool to achieve a 50% reduction of emissions, among 60 measures. Its projected consequences for agriculture, communities, and industry brings it into conversation with industry and counter-cultural voices, calling into question how meat reduction influences center-periphery relations, geographical inequality, and the shape of agriculture. Understood as a part of "partnership through conflict," this paper shows reactions and responses to this research through its official hearings, and the broader counter-cultural debate associated with the newspaper debate arena #motkultur [#counterculture].
 
In analyzing the hearing responses to gain a systematic understanding of "matters of concern" (Latour 2004) in the Norwegian sustainability transition, we found how agriculture and livestock industries are cross-sectional, tied to local value-creation, employment, biological diversity, food security, and self-sufficiency. These subjects are repeatedly discussed in rural counter-cultural debates, tying them to larger historical processes and struggles. These both raise concerns that meat reduction may exacerbate geographical inequalities, agricultural decline, and rural stagnation, as well as highlighting the possibilities that sustainability transition may bring for revitalized climate-friendly agriculture and land stewardship across the country. Meat reduction is a sensitive and complex topic for municipalities and industry. This paper discusses this against a backdrop of achieving a just sustainability transition, wherein achieving a high degree of participation, and ensuring that local livelihoods are considered in a complex mix of matters of concern.