We were recently awarded a grant by Sustain to research the environmental, social and economic impacts of intensive animal agriculture as part of a larger project - to create a guide for local councils to refer to when considering planning applications for proposed factory farms in their area.

Introduction

 

The term intensive animal agriculture refers to a method of large-scale farming where significant numbers of animals are kept and raised in confined living conditions. Instead of grazing in pastures or fields, concentrated feed is brought to the animals, who are largely confined indoors - to the extent that many never see daylight their whole lives. The purpose of these factory farms is to maximise production and profits by processing as many animals as possible, using as few resources as possible.

 

Below, we’ll discuss the impact that research tells us these intensive facilities are having on people, communities, and the environment (both locally and globally).