You can't avoid being informed about this debate
By:  John Strack – “View From Across The Pond” blog

Two reports came to my attention in the last few weeks and both of them are essential reading for any decision maker in the meat industry. That's a big claim.
 
The first report was produced by the Royal Society in the UK. This is the most prestigious scientific organization in the UK, if not the world. Its history goes back to 1660 and includes Sir Isaac Newton as a past President. The title of the scientists' report is, "Reaping the benefits - Science and the sustainable intensification of global agriculture".  Its 86 pages provide a cogent and carefully worded set of arguments for greater investments in scientific research to tackle the challenges of food security and the associated resource changes in the years leading up to 2050.
 
The other report is a different animal. It's called "Eating the Planet" and has been produced by two UK lobby groups, Friends of the Earth and Compassion in World Farming". A flavour of this report is given by one of the opening paragraphs,
 
"Farming around the world is both affected by, and a contributor to, climate change, with 22 percent of emissions generated by agriculture of which 80 percent comes from livestock production…Intensive animal production has boosted production yields but these developments come at a severe price – these systems include production methods that cause significant and widespread animal suffering, such as the selection of animals for rapid growth, leading to lameness and other physiological disorders, and the use of cages and crates which severely restrict animal behaviour." You get the picture. One of the conclusions of this report is that we should all eat less meat.
 
But why read this stuff – life's busy and someone else can deal with this?  
 
Well, both reports identify and describe the same issue, how to achieve food security in a world of scarce resources. The Royal Society provides a scientific answer. The animal/environmental lobby groups provide an answer based on changing consumer behaviour. Note also how the animal welfare issue is being linked, overtly, with the climate change issue.
 
It seems to me that the farmers, meat processors and all the supply industries cannot avoid getting involved in the debate about which way to jump on this issue. The politicians may be a little distracted at the moment as they check the bonus levels on Wall Street but the food security issue is a big one and will lead to policy change. These two reports give you a feel for some of the arguments that the meat industry will be having in the near future. Be prepared – read this stuff.
 
Which answer do you think is the right one?
 
December 30, 2009