Farming – a glossary #5
We all need to eat to survive and most of us now rely on farmers to produce our food for us. Without them, civilisation would end, and quickly, as ‘we’re only three meals away from chaos’, according to Lenin. And yes, that’s one of the few things on which I agree with Lenin.
How our food is produced has a massive effect on wildlife and nature. If we are to survive and prosper we all need to have more of a say in how our land is used and the effect it has on the living world. Our growing population, agricultural intensification and significant changes in diet mean the destruction of nature is still progressing. Half of our natural world has been destroyed in my lifetime. Ponds have been filled in, old trees removed and hedges grubbed up. Artificial fertiliser, heavy machinery, industrial farming, loss of soil, animal pharmaceuticals and infectious diseases are all a threat to a sustainable life.
We need to drastically reduce the amount of meat in our diet, increase the incomes of farmers, reduce the intensification of farming and improve animal welfare. All at the same time.
It’s going to be tough, especially with so many competing interests. I’m thankful that farmers are still there, working all hours, scratching a living from dirt. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude.
I’m hungry. What’s for dinner?
A Glossary of Environmental Euphemisms
Organic food – a glossary #4 "Is organic food any better for you?", people ask, as if that's the only worthwhile question to ask. A follow… read more
Critically endangered – a glossary #3 Life on Earth is in dire trouble. The Living Planet Report 2020 reports: "The global Living Planet Index continues to… read more
Biodiversity – a glossary #2 Biodiversity is a pretentious term used by people who want to sound as if they understand something that you don't.… read more
Conservation – a glossary #1 Conservation sounds like it should be a good thing, a thing with which everyone agrees. We all want to conserve… read more