Industrial agriculture is a controversial method of mass-producing crops and livestock using technology, pesticides, antibiotics, and fertilizers. Supporters argue it creates jobs and lowers prices, while opponents claim it is cruel to animals, harmful to the environment, and poses health risks to humans. Sustainable agriculture is a better solution.
Industrial or industrial agriculture is a method of producing food and fiber that takes advantage of animals and the environment. In short, it is the mass production of crops and livestock that aims to provide food at lower cost for consumers. Industrial agriculture is a highly controversial topic among animal rights advocates, conservationists, farmers and businesses. The effects of this practice, both positive and negative, extend to everyone.
Over the last century, advances in technology have allowed industrial agriculture to develop on a large scale. Industrial agriculture relies heavily on the use of pesticides, antibiotics, vitamins and fertilizers. This allows more crops and animals to be produced while avoiding the natural conditions they would normally need to survive and thrive. For example, the use of fertilizers allows many crops to be grown on what would otherwise be unproductive land. Similarly, the use of antibiotics and vitamins allows many animals to be confined to a smaller area where disease normally runs rampant.
By eliminating these conditions, production times and costs are reduced which translates into lower prices on supermarket shelves. Proponents of industrial agriculture argue that this industry is excellent for the economy, creates more jobs, limits foodborne illnesses, and has less environmental impact since production is higher and land use is lower.
Opponents of this practice believe it is a cruel and inhumane life for livestock. The animals are overcrowded, have no room to move, and are abused in horrific ways. For example, in order to prevent chickens from pecking themselves or others in extremely overcrowded conditions, chicks’ beaks are burned a few hours after hatching. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the pain and suffering that all types of livestock including cattle, pigs, rabbits and sheep are forced to endure as victims of industrial agriculture.
Additionally, crops grown with fertilizers and pesticides pose health risks to the humans who consume them. These methods employed in industrial agriculture also cause environmental pollution from runoff and chemical contamination of soil, water, air and wildlife. Industrial farming in economics can indeed create jobs for many, however small family farms are out of competition and struggling to maintain traditional and healthier farming practices.
Despite the low-cost benefits provided by this practice, the resulting consequences are a serious concern for many people, especially in light of the possible health risks and environmental damage it causes. Consumers have reacted to these concerns by increasingly purchasing foods labeled organic or, in the case of dairy products, cage-free. These tags do not necessarily mean that the products are not the result of factory farming or that they are cruelty-free.
For those who are concerned about the environment, animal welfare and their health, supporting sustainable agriculture is the best solution. This can be done by supporting small local farms committed to protecting our resources and avoiding mass-produced products.
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