Emma Calvert
@emmacalvert.bsky.social
Back in Belfast after 15 wonderful years working and living in Brussels.
Formerly food @ European Consumer Organisation (@beuc.bsky.social) trying to make healthier choices easier for all!
Still dipping a toe into EU Food Policy.
Formerly food @ European Consumer Organisation (@beuc.bsky.social) trying to make healthier choices easier for all!
Still dipping a toe into EU Food Policy.
Reposted by Emma Calvert
I learned today that Wageningen in the Netherlands has a total ban on outdoor advertising (of anything). Just one to file as a counter-example when people tell you that even small policy changes are not politically feasible
September 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM
I learned today that Wageningen in the Netherlands has a total ban on outdoor advertising (of anything). Just one to file as a counter-example when people tell you that even small policy changes are not politically feasible
Reposted by Emma Calvert
The battle to keep global heating from passing the agreed 1.5-degree threshold has been lost.
This should be an era when human ingenuity works to save the planet from catastrophe.
Instead the tech broligarchy is busy embarking upon ludicrous AI data centre “infrastructure” fuelled by coal and gas.
This should be an era when human ingenuity works to save the planet from catastrophe.
Instead the tech broligarchy is busy embarking upon ludicrous AI data centre “infrastructure” fuelled by coal and gas.
Battle to halt global heating at 1.5 degrees is lost - UN
Focus must now switch to limiting extent of overshoot, says United Nations' climate report
www.irishtimes.com
September 2, 2026 at 7:57 AM
The battle to keep global heating from passing the agreed 1.5-degree threshold has been lost.
This should be an era when human ingenuity works to save the planet from catastrophe.
Instead the tech broligarchy is busy embarking upon ludicrous AI data centre “infrastructure” fuelled by coal and gas.
This should be an era when human ingenuity works to save the planet from catastrophe.
Instead the tech broligarchy is busy embarking upon ludicrous AI data centre “infrastructure” fuelled by coal and gas.
‘Shatter crunchin’ chicken ain’t all about the love; it’s mostly about profits derived from fat, sugar and salt.’
And so it goes…Yet another 🇺🇸fast food chicken shop opens in 🇮🇪: a testament to not only the failure to stop the junk foodification of our high streets but also how cheap chicken is 😕
And so it goes…Yet another 🇺🇸fast food chicken shop opens in 🇮🇪: a testament to not only the failure to stop the junk foodification of our high streets but also how cheap chicken is 😕
Diarmaid Ferriter: As Popeyes opens in Ireland, it’s clear we’re becoming a fast food nation
Diarmaid Ferriter: As Popeyes opens in Ireland, it’s clear we’re becoming a fast food nation
In Ireland, Britain and the US, more than half the average diet now consists of ultra-processed foods; for some who are younger and poorer, it is up to 80%
www.irishtimes.com
June 19, 2026 at 11:11 AM
‘Shatter crunchin’ chicken ain’t all about the love; it’s mostly about profits derived from fat, sugar and salt.’
And so it goes…Yet another 🇺🇸fast food chicken shop opens in 🇮🇪: a testament to not only the failure to stop the junk foodification of our high streets but also how cheap chicken is 😕
And so it goes…Yet another 🇺🇸fast food chicken shop opens in 🇮🇪: a testament to not only the failure to stop the junk foodification of our high streets but also how cheap chicken is 😕
⚽️You really have to wonder at what point do these millionaire footballers decline to take junk food ad money?
Given their professional lives were dedicated to peak health you would hope they would hesitate before endorsing McDonald’s to the masses..
Given their professional lives were dedicated to peak health you would hope they would hesitate before endorsing McDonald’s to the masses..
June 9, 2026 at 12:02 PM
⚽️You really have to wonder at what point do these millionaire footballers decline to take junk food ad money?
Given their professional lives were dedicated to peak health you would hope they would hesitate before endorsing McDonald’s to the masses..
Given their professional lives were dedicated to peak health you would hope they would hesitate before endorsing McDonald’s to the masses..
Genuinely intrigued by how many sponsored #McDonalds ads of non-compliant food I’m seeing. Reddit, Facebook, on-demand TV…
🤳The new marketing rules banning these kinds of online ads in the UK came into force in January. They’ve had plenty of time so why the continued blitz of junk food ads? 🤔
🤳The new marketing rules banning these kinds of online ads in the UK came into force in January. They’ve had plenty of time so why the continued blitz of junk food ads? 🤔
June 7, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Genuinely intrigued by how many sponsored #McDonalds ads of non-compliant food I’m seeing. Reddit, Facebook, on-demand TV…
🤳The new marketing rules banning these kinds of online ads in the UK came into force in January. They’ve had plenty of time so why the continued blitz of junk food ads? 🤔
🤳The new marketing rules banning these kinds of online ads in the UK came into force in January. They’ve had plenty of time so why the continued blitz of junk food ads? 🤔
🤔🍟Sponsored ad for non-compliant food on Facebook and earlier in the day another on the on-demand tv service…
Has McDonald’s just decided it’s above the UK law which bans these kinds of ads?
Has McDonald’s just decided it’s above the UK law which bans these kinds of ads?
May 27, 2026 at 10:54 AM
🤔🍟Sponsored ad for non-compliant food on Facebook and earlier in the day another on the on-demand tv service…
Has McDonald’s just decided it’s above the UK law which bans these kinds of ads?
Has McDonald’s just decided it’s above the UK law which bans these kinds of ads?
Reposted by Emma Calvert
I regret to inform you that the absolute worst people in food academia have teamed up to write a truly cynical screed against meat reduction.
May 13, 2026 at 6:56 PM
I regret to inform you that the absolute worst people in food academia have teamed up to write a truly cynical screed against meat reduction.
Irony lost in Belfast’s @sainsburys.bsky.social. A wonderful wall showing kids’ ideas of what a healthy plate is buffeted by a wall of coke 😐
Why not help these kids make their healthy plates a reality and stop promoting junk food in key areas of the shop? Retailers can and should do so much more!
Why not help these kids make their healthy plates a reality and stop promoting junk food in key areas of the shop? Retailers can and should do so much more!
May 13, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Irony lost in Belfast’s @sainsburys.bsky.social. A wonderful wall showing kids’ ideas of what a healthy plate is buffeted by a wall of coke 😐
Why not help these kids make their healthy plates a reality and stop promoting junk food in key areas of the shop? Retailers can and should do so much more!
Why not help these kids make their healthy plates a reality and stop promoting junk food in key areas of the shop? Retailers can and should do so much more!
Reposted by Emma Calvert
The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change published its newest report with a clear message for the agriculture sector: business as usual is not an option if Europe wants to ensure a better future for its farmers and rural communities.
Read our latest: www.iatp.org/scientists-s...
Read our latest: www.iatp.org/scientists-s...
Scientists say 'business as usual' no longer an option for EU’s food and farm systems
The European Union has adopted its target for cutting climate pollution by 2040 and is now working on the policies needed to achieve it. Its climate advisors have just published a major report on agri...
www.iatp.org
April 30, 2026 at 10:10 PM
The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change published its newest report with a clear message for the agriculture sector: business as usual is not an option if Europe wants to ensure a better future for its farmers and rural communities.
Read our latest: www.iatp.org/scientists-s...
Read our latest: www.iatp.org/scientists-s...
Reposted by Emma Calvert
We need binding regulation and not corporate self-regulation, exhibit #1,000,000.
98% of meat and dairy company climate and environmental promises are bullshit.
www.newscientist.com/article/2523...
98% of meat and dairy company climate and environmental promises are bullshit.
www.newscientist.com/article/2523...
98 per cent of meat and dairy sustainability pledges are greenwashing
The food industry has made big promises to reduce emissions and become more sustainable, but a review concludes that many of the pledges are not backed up by evidence
www.newscientist.com
April 25, 2026 at 4:17 PM
We need binding regulation and not corporate self-regulation, exhibit #1,000,000.
98% of meat and dairy company climate and environmental promises are bullshit.
www.newscientist.com/article/2523...
98% of meat and dairy company climate and environmental promises are bullshit.
www.newscientist.com/article/2523...
Reposted by Emma Calvert
"Extreme heat is threatening the world’s food systems, with farmers unable to work outside, livestock experiencing stress and crop yields falling, putting the livelihoods of more than a billion people in peril..."
Sadly, climate concern is woke, so I guess a billion people just gotta burn/starve.
Sadly, climate concern is woke, so I guess a billion people just gotta burn/starve.
World food systems ‘pushed to the brink’ by extreme heat, UN warns
Severe heatwaves in commonly hot regions could leave farmers unable to work outside, with livestock mortality rates expected to rise
www.theguardian.com
April 23, 2026 at 8:10 PM
"Extreme heat is threatening the world’s food systems, with farmers unable to work outside, livestock experiencing stress and crop yields falling, putting the livelihoods of more than a billion people in peril..."
Sadly, climate concern is woke, so I guess a billion people just gotta burn/starve.
Sadly, climate concern is woke, so I guess a billion people just gotta burn/starve.
Excellent article on how Ireland, a country which in theory feeds 50 million, can be so nutritionally insecure.
❗️90% of 🇮🇪’s food is exported and most is meat and dairy
📉 ~9 out of 10 veg producers have disappeared since the 90s
🛒I’d add an important part of solution is to address consumer demand
❗️90% of 🇮🇪’s food is exported and most is meat and dairy
📉 ~9 out of 10 veg producers have disappeared since the 90s
🛒I’d add an important part of solution is to address consumer demand
Important read from Mick Kelly on Ireland's (dis)illusional food security.
Mick Kelly: We’re only ever nine meals away from anarchy. That risk is no longer just theoretical
Ireland is sleepwalking into a food security crisis. We have just 74 field-scale vegetable growers left, down from around 600
www.irishtimes.com
April 18, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Excellent article on how Ireland, a country which in theory feeds 50 million, can be so nutritionally insecure.
❗️90% of 🇮🇪’s food is exported and most is meat and dairy
📉 ~9 out of 10 veg producers have disappeared since the 90s
🛒I’d add an important part of solution is to address consumer demand
❗️90% of 🇮🇪’s food is exported and most is meat and dairy
📉 ~9 out of 10 veg producers have disappeared since the 90s
🛒I’d add an important part of solution is to address consumer demand
“By cramming large numbers of animals into confined spaces and relying heavily on fertilisers, these intensive systems release far more ammonia than the environment or our bodies can cope with.’
And yet the UK govt is considering relaxing planning rules for industrial chicken farms… 😐
And yet the UK govt is considering relaxing planning rules for industrial chicken farms… 😐
Ammonia pollution hotspots found in areas of UK with most pig and poultry factory farms
Ammonia pollution hotspots found in areas of UK with most pig and poultry factory farms
Map reveals most severe concentrations of ammonia emissions, which are dangerous to health and environment
Ammonia pollution hotspots have been identified in areas with some of the greatest numbers of intensive pig and poultry farms in Britain, research has revealed.
A new map for the first time reveals the most severe concentrations of ammonia emissions are clustered in Lincolnshire, Herefordshire and Norfolk. These regions all have a high density of intensive poultry and pig units that drive dangerous levels of ammonia, according to researchers from Compassion in World Farming (CiWF) and Sustain. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
April 16, 2026 at 6:19 AM
“By cramming large numbers of animals into confined spaces and relying heavily on fertilisers, these intensive systems release far more ammonia than the environment or our bodies can cope with.’
And yet the UK govt is considering relaxing planning rules for industrial chicken farms… 😐
And yet the UK govt is considering relaxing planning rules for industrial chicken farms… 😐
Cool beans!
Nice to see beans sponsoring a sports team! Makes a change from the usual roster of junk food, alcohol and betting companies usually associated with sports sponsorship 🫘😎
www.gaa.ie/article/batc...
Nice to see beans sponsoring a sports team! Makes a change from the usual roster of junk food, alcohol and betting companies usually associated with sports sponsorship 🫘😎
www.gaa.ie/article/batc...
Batchelors Announced as Official Beans Partner of the GAA/GPA
The GAA and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) today announced a new three-year partnership with Batchelors, Ireland’s leading baked beans brand, who become the Official Beans Partner of the GAA/GPA...
www.gaa.ie
April 15, 2026 at 9:58 AM
Cool beans!
Nice to see beans sponsoring a sports team! Makes a change from the usual roster of junk food, alcohol and betting companies usually associated with sports sponsorship 🫘😎
www.gaa.ie/article/batc...
Nice to see beans sponsoring a sports team! Makes a change from the usual roster of junk food, alcohol and betting companies usually associated with sports sponsorship 🫘😎
www.gaa.ie/article/batc...
Reposted by Emma Calvert
This is the complete opposite to the direction we should be going in.
Allowing intensive farming to expand will increase animal suffering, undermine food security, increase pollution, fuel the climate crisis and put all of us at risk.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4c0tF6e
Allowing intensive farming to expand will increase animal suffering, undermine food security, increase pollution, fuel the climate crisis and put all of us at risk.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4c0tF6e
April 2, 2026 at 6:08 PM
This is the complete opposite to the direction we should be going in.
Allowing intensive farming to expand will increase animal suffering, undermine food security, increase pollution, fuel the climate crisis and put all of us at risk.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4c0tF6e
Allowing intensive farming to expand will increase animal suffering, undermine food security, increase pollution, fuel the climate crisis and put all of us at risk.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4c0tF6e
Reposted by Emma Calvert
Science points in one direction, lobbying in the other. Crucial but grim reporting by @zdboren.bsky.social.
"Ministers are rewriting planning rules to make it easier to build intensive livestock farms despite concerns ..."
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"Ministers are rewriting planning rules to make it easier to build intensive livestock farms despite concerns ..."
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK looks to relax planning rules for factory farms after industry lobbying
Exclusive: documents chronicle years-long campaign to make it easier to build intensive livestock units
www.theguardian.com
April 2, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Science points in one direction, lobbying in the other. Crucial but grim reporting by @zdboren.bsky.social.
"Ministers are rewriting planning rules to make it easier to build intensive livestock farms despite concerns ..."
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"Ministers are rewriting planning rules to make it easier to build intensive livestock farms despite concerns ..."
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Emma Calvert
Essential messages here. We take food for granted. Our food system is extremely vulnerable. Governments are doing very little to prevent or mitigate future crises. Massive corporate interests. A bit safer if we switch to plant-based diets.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We’re letting big corporations gamble with our lives. Act now, or the food could run out | George Monbiot
The fragility of the global food system fills me with dread – and the war with Iran has exposed just how close to collapse it is, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
March 25, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Essential messages here. We take food for granted. Our food system is extremely vulnerable. Governments are doing very little to prevent or mitigate future crises. Massive corporate interests. A bit safer if we switch to plant-based diets.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Emma Calvert
If plant-based foods must be more 'honest', let’s do the same for meat – fancy some ‘cow-muscle tissue' or 'pig belly'?
By Deirdra Barr
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
By Deirdra Barr
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
If plant-based foods must be more honest, let’s do the same for meat – fancy some ‘cow muscle’? | Deirdra Barr
EU rules banning terms such as ‘bacon’ for veggie products are problematic, btw cow muscle = steak, says the Vegetarian Society’s Deirdra Barr
www.theguardian.com
March 11, 2026 at 3:51 PM
If plant-based foods must be more 'honest', let’s do the same for meat – fancy some ‘cow-muscle tissue' or 'pig belly'?
By Deirdra Barr
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
By Deirdra Barr
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Emma Calvert
finally, subway beginning to put protein into their sandwiches
February 14, 2026 at 4:57 PM
finally, subway beginning to put protein into their sandwiches
Some startling stats today at the All-Ireland Obesity Action Forum’s conference on the impacts of digital marketing.
💰 Digital advertising spend due to be $1 trillion by 2028
🇮🇪 Children spend 4.5 hours on average on digital devices (some up to 10 hrs!)
🍟 Exposed to unhealthy food ads every 4 mins
💰 Digital advertising spend due to be $1 trillion by 2028
🇮🇪 Children spend 4.5 hours on average on digital devices (some up to 10 hrs!)
🍟 Exposed to unhealthy food ads every 4 mins
February 24, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Some startling stats today at the All-Ireland Obesity Action Forum’s conference on the impacts of digital marketing.
💰 Digital advertising spend due to be $1 trillion by 2028
🇮🇪 Children spend 4.5 hours on average on digital devices (some up to 10 hrs!)
🍟 Exposed to unhealthy food ads every 4 mins
💰 Digital advertising spend due to be $1 trillion by 2028
🇮🇪 Children spend 4.5 hours on average on digital devices (some up to 10 hrs!)
🍟 Exposed to unhealthy food ads every 4 mins
Reposted by Emma Calvert
REVEALED: The EU spends hundreds of times more public money on high-emissions beef and dairy than legumes and nuts through its common agricultural policy (CAP) subsidies, according to new figures published today by Foodrise.
Read the new report: foodrise.org.uk/CAPCrossroads/
Read the new report: foodrise.org.uk/CAPCrossroads/
February 19, 2026 at 10:26 AM
REVEALED: The EU spends hundreds of times more public money on high-emissions beef and dairy than legumes and nuts through its common agricultural policy (CAP) subsidies, according to new figures published today by Foodrise.
Read the new report: foodrise.org.uk/CAPCrossroads/
Read the new report: foodrise.org.uk/CAPCrossroads/
Reposted by Emma Calvert
80% of agricultural land is used for livestock (and textiles), yet this huge land use provides only 17% of our calories and 38% of our protein.
16% of the land used for crops provides 83% of our calories and 62% of our protein. It's past time we rethink what we eat.
16% of the land used for crops provides 83% of our calories and 62% of our protein. It's past time we rethink what we eat.
February 19, 2026 at 9:35 PM
80% of agricultural land is used for livestock (and textiles), yet this huge land use provides only 17% of our calories and 38% of our protein.
16% of the land used for crops provides 83% of our calories and 62% of our protein. It's past time we rethink what we eat.
16% of the land used for crops provides 83% of our calories and 62% of our protein. It's past time we rethink what we eat.
Reposted by Emma Calvert
EU #CAP farm subsidies overwhelmingly go to those who are already rich, and not enough support reaches those who really need it
Farmers on the brink of bankruptcy, small agroecological farms, and all those who want to transition to more sustainable practices – these need real support
Farmers on the brink of bankruptcy, small agroecological farms, and all those who want to transition to more sustainable practices – these need real support
Welfare for the rich: up to 40% of CAP money goes to 1% of recipients - Greenpeace European Unit
A tiny fraction of rich landowners and industrial farmers siphon off the lion’s share of the EU’s subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with a wealthy 1% of recipients taking as much a...
www.greenpeace.org
January 19, 2026 at 9:38 AM
EU #CAP farm subsidies overwhelmingly go to those who are already rich, and not enough support reaches those who really need it
Farmers on the brink of bankruptcy, small agroecological farms, and all those who want to transition to more sustainable practices – these need real support
Farmers on the brink of bankruptcy, small agroecological farms, and all those who want to transition to more sustainable practices – these need real support
Why can sugary cereals or even candies proudly boast about vitamin D or ‘no fat’?
Well because the EU hasn’t done its job…for *17* years. Nutritional standards - ‘nutrient profiles’ - would’ve stopped these kinds of misleading claims on labels but the EU has missed the deadline since.. 19/01/2009🎂
Well because the EU hasn’t done its job…for *17* years. Nutritional standards - ‘nutrient profiles’ - would’ve stopped these kinds of misleading claims on labels but the EU has missed the deadline since.. 19/01/2009🎂
January 19, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Why can sugary cereals or even candies proudly boast about vitamin D or ‘no fat’?
Well because the EU hasn’t done its job…for *17* years. Nutritional standards - ‘nutrient profiles’ - would’ve stopped these kinds of misleading claims on labels but the EU has missed the deadline since.. 19/01/2009🎂
Well because the EU hasn’t done its job…for *17* years. Nutritional standards - ‘nutrient profiles’ - would’ve stopped these kinds of misleading claims on labels but the EU has missed the deadline since.. 19/01/2009🎂