The Goat and the Cabbage

In the left corner, an artisan farmer. In the right corner, a vegan activist. In between, a thousand and one fiercely debated questions. How can we assess the consequences of our dietary choices on ecosystems, on animals, on humans? Is it moral to exploit (for their eggs, their milk, or their labor) and kill (for their flesh, their skin, or their fur) beings endowed with sentience, this capacity to feel, perceive, and be conscious? Does adopting a vegan diet allow us to be healthy and save the planet? What type of agriculture is most likely to maintain the Earth's balance? What do science and philosophy say on these subjects?
Highly critical of the agri-food industry, but also very perplexed by the actions taken by animal rights activists, Dominic Lamontagne wanted to engage in a dialogue with a vegan activist to explore the issues related to food and the future of our agriculture. In the form of a letter exchange, he crosses swords with Jean-François Dubé on anti-speciesism and veganism around three main themes: ethics, health, and the environment. But between the "omnicultural" peasantry that Dominic defends and the ethical veganism promoted by Jean-François, the points of view seem irreconcilable. While a meal between the two companions is impossible, the debate is substantial and not lacking in bite!