Imago
City makes meat compulsory at vegetarian picnic
The city fathers of the fair city of Diksmuide (West Flanders) have taken a decision that will spark controversy. The "fair trade picnic" in the town is being obliged to serve meat for a first time. Until now the fair only served vegetarian fare.
Burgomaster Lies Laridon believes the order is a statement: "You can do fair trade with meat too. Fair trade is about honest trade, honest trade with the South, but also with local producers. The city authorities believe people should have the choice to eat meat."
The Fair Trade Picnic is part of the Butter and Cheese Festival in Diksmuide. Organiser Rik Maekelberg notes that cheese and butter are vegetarian but that some visitors missed a bite of meat. “People did comment" he says.