NZIFST FED Talk - Otago Southland Branch present The Societal Role of Meat and the Dublin Declaration with Prof Neil Mann

Meat has historically shaped human societies through its cultural, agricultural, and nutritional roles. The Dublin Declaration underscores the importance of livestock-derived foods in sustainable food systems while acknowledging ethical and environmental challenges. From an anthropological perspective, meat symbolises identity, tradition, and social cohesion. From an agricultural viewpoint, livestock supports rural livelihoods, land use, and food security within circular bioeconomy models. From a nutritional standpoint, meat provides high-quality protein and bioavailable micronutrients vital for health, particularly in vulnerable populations. This paper integrates these perspectives to contextualise the Dublin Declaration’s call for a balanced and evidence-based understanding of meat’s societal role.

Event Details 

When: Thursday 9th October, 5.30 - 6.45pm 

Where: In Person - University of Otago, Online via live stream.

Cost: Free for members & $20 for non members

About Professor Neil Mann

Professor Neil Mann is a globally respected voice in human nutrition, with over 35 years of experience in food science, metabolic health, and sustainable agriculture. A retired professor from the University of Melbourne, he has led groundbreaking research on obesity, diabetes, and ancestral diets. With a unique blend of farming roots and academic excellence, he bridges science, food, and public health. A Fellow of the Nutrition Society of Australia and co-author of Evolving Human Nutrition, Professor Mann brings rare insight into how what we eat today shapes our future health—and the planet’s.