Germany’s environment minister Barbara Hendricks announced that her ministry will no longer serve meat or fish products at official events, media reports.

According to Hendricks, the environment ministry must serve as a role model for others.

“We want to serve as a good example for climate protection, as vegetarian food is climate-friendly than meat and fish,” Hendricks said.

She also added that meals served at official functions should be organic, seasonal, and preferably local. The decision had already raised controversies in Germany. Some members of the government have accused Hendricks in depriving them of a freedom of choice.