agriculture-food production

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Environment Agency Accused of ‘Scandalous Neglect’ over Chicken Excrement Entering River Wye

Jon Ungoed-Thomas. (2024, January 13.) Environment Agency accused of ‘scandalous neglect’ over chicken excrement entering River Wye retrieved January 28 from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/13/environment-agency-accused-of-scandalous-neglect-over-chicken-excrement-entering-river-wye

River Action, a conservation group, claims that the Environment Agency has ignored the River Wye as part of its effort to expose runoff and contaminated waters from free-range egg farms that are directly entering waterways. Out of 47 sites studied in England and Wales, 19 had drains from poultry units spilling into local watercourses, which violated standards. The Wye and Usk Foundation, in collaboration with free-range egg farmers, conducted advisory visits and notified the Environment Agency of the contamination risk, requesting aid. River Action is seeking a court review, arguing the agency failed to prevent agricultural contamination in the Wye. Noble Foods, the Happy Egg Company’s owner, is working to address issues and move to sustainable practices, while the British Egg Industry Council addresses compliance with laws and funds studies on the environmental impact of free-range farming.

The article highlights the alarming tendency of the meat business not only contributing to deforestation but also harming river ecosystems. While the British Egg Company intends to fund studies on the environmental effects of free-range farming, I think that the primary concern is the farm owners’ irresponsibility and insufficient disposal of the contamination. I think free-range farming is not inherently the problem; rather, the real concern is the owners’ failure to manage their waste correctly. Instead of changing to cage-raised hens, which might risk their health and egg quality, an easier solution would be to move chicken farms to regions where waste disposal is not threatening rivers or community health. This strategy promotes the welfare of the chickens, ensures the production of high-quality eggs, and reduces the negative environmental impact on our important river ecosystems.

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Commit to Meat Reduction in 2024 for the Sake of Animals, People and the Planet

Kitty Block. (2024, January 10.) Commit to meat reduction in 2024 for the sake of animals, people and the planet retrieved January 28 2024 from https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/25375-us-beef-industry-may-see-more-red-ink-in-2024

In 2023, COP28, the UN climate conference in Dubai, dedicated a day to “Food, Agriculture, and Water,” emphasizing the environmental impact of meat production, which accounts for nearly 1 ⁄ 3 of human-generated greenhouse emissions. The meeting contained positive advances, with over 150 countries pledging to integrate sustainable agriculture into their climate action plans. The UAE Declaration emphasized the benefits of embracing sustainable and nutritious diets for both the environment and health. To address climate change, the article emphasizes the need to limit animal agriculture while promoting alternatives such as plant-based choices. The worldwide commitment demonstrated at COP28 shows a united effort to address environmental issues.

The contents of this article seem very promising and positive to me. Initiatives like transitioning meals to plant-based options demonstrates practical solutions to target and reduce the effects it has on our environment. I was surprised by how many countries have decided to fight against climate change, and the positive changes it may bring in the future. Over 150 countries pledging to change their ways highlights how there is still hope and people to vow to reduce these ongoing problems that contribute to the loss of human life and overall the destruction of our environment. I support and agree with what these conferences aim to do, and I believe that there are many steps needed in order to eliminate the problems created by meat production. Firstly, it would be necessary to implement plant based meat into more of our meals. The article highlights this idea, as it would be healthier for our environment whilst reducing harm towards animals. If all countries that pledged would actively try to reduce climate change, we would see huge differences in our environment and health as humans.

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The Climate Summit Starts to Crack a Tough Nut: Emissions From Food

Somini Sengupta. (2023, December 12.) The Climate Summit Starts to Crack a Tough Nut: Emissions From Food retrieved January 28 2024 from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/12/climate/dubai-cop28-climate-food-agriculture.html

The latest United Nations climate conference, COP28, addressed the topic of linking global agricultural systems with climate goals. The food sector, which accounts for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is a major contributor to biodiversity loss, poses issues. Climate dangers pose a greater threat to small farmers in developing countries. Global hunger has increased, affecting approximately 735 million people. Despite the difficulty of changing global eating patterns and agricultural practices, more than two-thirds of countries have supported a nonbinding pact to transform the food system. The Food and Agriculture Organization has put forward a plan to reduce food waste and livestock emissions by 2030. However, implementing these changes requires national governments to enact concrete policies, and debates about incorporating agricultural emission targets in the main climate agreement.

This article shocked me by revealing that the food industry accounts for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is more than just an environmental issue though, it also poses a threat to small farmers who compete with large organizations. The alarming number of 735 million people affected by global hunger highlights the importance of addressing these issues. Food waste is an enormous problem, particularly in developed countries such as the United States. I think that we should implement policies such as the carbon tax, which we are recently learning about. Policies like this could hold huge corporations accountable for their environmental and social consequences. The idea for a carbon tax stands out as a way to encourage firms to adopt sustainable practices through financial consequences.

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The Chicken Tycoons vs. the Antitrust Hawks.

H. Claire Brown. (2023, November 29.) The Chicken Tycoons vs. the Antitrust Hawks. Retrieved January 27, 2024 from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/29/magazine/chicken-industry-antitrust.html

In recent years, the chicken industry, particularly Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), has encountered issues and controversy. KFC sales generally peak around Mother’s Day in the year due to a tradition they created. However, in 2014, a chicken shortage issue developed as a result of a bid-rigging fraud in the poultry business. KFC solicited bids from major suppliers, but collaboration among them resulted in increased prices, causing complaints about unfair competition. In 2022, the Biden administration planned to address the meat industry challenges, noting inflation worries caused by rising beef, pork, and poultry costs. Despite efforts to charge executives for price fixing, a third trial in July 2022 resulted in an acquittal. The Biden administration also filed a civil complaint against poultry processors for wage reduction. This legal action aimed to combat unfair business practices and resulted in a $85 million compensation settlement. The article discusses the difficulties in implementing antitrust laws, limited success in achieving significant changes in the poultry industry, despite government interventions.

The ability of these organizations to avoid legal consequences does not surprise me, as it is consistent with a pattern in which many large corporations bypass accountability for their actions. This issue goes beyond just legal matters, such as the often-overlooked issues of animal abuse and environmental damage, which are especially common in large and popular fast food companies. The ability of these firms to avoid lawsuits indicates greater ability to cover up instances of animal cruelty and environmental damage. To solve this systemic issue, stricter laws governing animal production and care are essential. We can build a stronger foundation for ensuring animal welfare by enforcing stricter restrictions and consequences on how animals are treated in these businesses. Furthermore, improving restrictions around habitat degradation is also critical. This involves imposing strict standards on companies to prevent irreversible harm to ecosystems, holding them accountable for the environmental repercussions of their actions.

Grilling the World’s Biggest Meat Producer.

David Gelles. (2023, September 28.) Grilling the world’s biggest meat producer. Retrieved Jan 27, 2024 from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/28/climate/grilling-the-worlds-biggest-meat-producer.html

JBS, the world’s largest beef producer with yearly earnings over $50 billion, is being scrutinized for its huge contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. JBS operates globally, with a supply network that extends into areas such as the Amazon rainforest, resulting in significant carbon dioxide and methane emissions. A study reveals that JBS creates more emissions per year than the entire country of Italy, with a 51% increase between 2016 and 2021. Environmental activists criticize JBS’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange, noting the company’s poor environmental record and governance policies. JBS claims they have a commitment to zero deforestation, but despite these claims, some investigations show JBS’s links to deforestation, raising concerns about transparency and credibility.

This article about JBS is highly concerning to me, shedding light on its significant environmental impact. JBS’ substantial contributions to carbon dioxide and methane emissions, which very surprisingly surpassed the entirety of Italy’s greenhouse gas emissions in a year, make me more concerned about the meat industry’s environmental impact, and not just the abuse of animals. The company’s involvement in deforestation in places such as the Amazon rainforest, is the worst part, as there are many biodiverse ecosystems that are getting destroyed, this highlights the need for immediate action to address the negative effects this company inflicts on the environment. I think that places like the amazon rainforest should no doubt be fully protected with severe consequences if not abided by. Large companies like JBS are hard to change, and as stated in the article they may be lying about their commitment to non-deforestation. If we cannot stop the companies, we need to protect the forests in which they are destroying. I think it is common sense at this point to protect and conserve all of the diminishing biodiversity-rich areas that we have left. In the meantime if possible, I think that JBS must prioritize transparency by giving detailed and verifiable information about their sourcing, animal slaughter rates, and overall carbon footprint.

 

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The meat industry is a $103B-a-year industry — how will COVID-19 affect these numbers?

USAFacts. (2023, October 3). The meat industry is a $103B-a-year industry — how will COVID-19 affect these numbers? USAFacts. https://usafacts.org/articles/meat-industry-2020-covid-19-outbreak/

 

Covid-19 has significantly impacted the meat processing industry in the US. As of a couple months ago, 16,233 meat plant workers across 239 facilities in 23 states have contracted Covid-19. This has resulted in 86 deaths caused by Covid-19 in the US for workers in the meat processing industry. However, the US still leads globally in cattle, poultry, and pork production. Last year, the US produced 105 billion pounds of meat worth approximately $102 billion. Overall, the industry employs roughly 527,000 people with an average hourly wage of $15.20, about $4.50 lower than average for all manufacturing sectors.

This article gives us an understanding of exactly how much meat the US is producing each year. This is important because we can use this information to understand where our carbon emissions are coming from as well as to create a better understanding of meat production globally. As the world leader in most meat production, despite being ¼ of some of the largest countries in the world, we can get a better understanding of how much meat we are eating and exporting in the US. Creating meat not only requires energy during processing, but while the cattle are still alive, they release lots of methane, a greenhouse gas, which further contributes to global warming.

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US Meat industry: Meat, dairy sustainability efforts contribute to global goals. Sustainable Brands

Brands, S. (2024, January 26). US Meat industry: Meat, dairy sustainability efforts contribute to global goals. Sustainable Brands. https://sustainablebrands.com/read/defining-the-next-economy/us-meat-industry-sustainability-global-goals

 

The Meat Institute is an association that represents 95% of all beef and pork sold in the US. Livestock accounts for 12% of GHGs in the atmosphere but the UN believes that the livestock sector could significantly reduce emissions while still meeting demand by 2050. CEO of the Meat Institute Julie Potts holds a similar view. The Protein PACT, an organization, expects all of its members to hit their GHG-reduction targets by 2030. This initiative uses robust sustainability reporting along with goal-setting to ensure their members back their goals with action. Potts, CEO, emphasized the need for collaboration within the meat industry across the whole supply chain to achieve the sustainability goals set by the Protein PACT.

This article shows us the steps that meat companies and the industry in the US are taking towards a sustainable future. The focus that they put on reducing GHG emissions gives me hope for the future that if all industries create targets such as these and follow through with them, we will be in good shape. The importance of collaboration across the supply chain is also a key point that many other articles or initiatives miss. By collaborating with each step of the supply chain, companies are able to pool their resources and technology to create a faster, smoother, and more sustainable meat production process.

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USDA issues new rules on red meat purchases, poultry contracts and seed sales. DTN Progressive Farmer

Hagstrom, J. (2023, November 9). USDA issues new rules on red meat purchases, poultry contracts and seed sales. DTN Progressive Farmer. https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/blogs/ag-policy-blog/blog-post/2023/11/09/usda-issues-new-rules-red-meat-seed

 

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a series of new regulations after President Biden’s executive order concerning competition. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that all red meat purchased by the USDA must be “born, raised and slaughtered” in the US. He hopes that this domestic requirement will support US producers. Furthermore, a new rule requires transparency in poultry contracting. It requires outlines for earnings disclosures, minimum flock placements, and other important information for growers. Seed companies will also be required to provide variety transparency to farmers during sale. Additionally, the USDA has created a new position, Chief Competition Officer, to address competition challenges in the agricultural sector. 

This article gives me mixed feelings. I do like the idea of USDA purchases to be domestic meat only as it will help local companies. However, I am afraid of the economic implications of this action. Will certain US companies gain a monopoly on meat production? How will this affect price and competition? Furthermore, I do like the idea of increased transparency for meat producers. I think that by doing so, these companies will create more eco-friendly and healthier products as the public’s eye will be more closely looking at them. This will result in less pollution as companies make shifts towards more renewable ways to produce meat.

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US beef industry may see more red ink in 2024. Food Business News

Kay, S. (2024, January 17). US beef industry may see more red ink in 2024. Food Business News. https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/25375-us-beef-industry-may-see-more-red-ink-in-2024#:~:text=The%20US%20Department%20of%20Agriculture’s,28.291%20billion%20lbs%20in%202022.

 

The US beef industry is currently in a 2-year decline as beef production has decreased. This has resulted in many challenges for all. Consumers are more likely to face higher prices while beef processors may struggle to make profits. Cattle feeders are also expected to face higher prices for live cattle due to a decrease in the supply of said. The decrease in beef production is a result of continued herd reduction by cow producers which pose a continued challenge for 2024 to come. Overall, this situation has made it hard for meat production related companies to make a profit. 

This article makes me wonder what other factors are being affected by this decrease in cattle. Can we see a change in the amount of methane released by the US? Will people switch to other forms of meat as beef becomes pricier? What are the repercussions of this health and environment wise? I think that this may be a good thing as we will see a switch towards lab-grown beef which is more economically and environmentally friendly. 

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Study slashes lab-grown meat cost, engineers bovine muscle stem cells. Interesting Engineering

McFadden, C. (2024, January 26). Study slashes lab-grown meat cost, engineers bovine muscle stem cells. Interesting Engineering. https://interestingengineering.com/science/cheaper-lab-grown-meat-production

 

Researchers, at Tufts University’s Center for Cellular Agriculture (TUCCA), have developed a new way to enhance cellular growth for agriculture. This new technology could largely reduce the cost of lab-grown meat. The researchers used bovine muscle stem cells to produce fibroblast growth factor (FGF), which causes the growth of skeletal muscle cells found in meat. Without expensive external growth factors the costs to produce lab-grown meat are significantly reduced and could become commercially available. While this technique is not perfect, it shows promise for reducing meat costs and moving away from regular meat.

This article gives me lots of hope for the future and the meat production industry. With this new technology refined, meat production will be significantly cheaper and will help the economy. With these reduced costs, it will become commercially available. I also suspect that if lab-grown meat becomes commercially available, their sales will be very strong as it is an easy way for customers to identify what meat is good for the environment, lab-grown, and they can feel like they are making a difference. Furthermore, lab-grown meat is much less harmful to the environment, there’s no cows farting, which means that with more lab-grown meat and less natural meat, the environment will greatly benefit.