Industrial farming damages the planet, degrades society, and impacts human health. In the drive for sustainability, many advocates point out that our ethical responsibilities extend to the animals within our food system. Therefore, the demand for ethically sourced meat increases yearly, and the term has become a frequent marketing buzzword. But what is ethical meat? Is it the same as sustainable meat? Are either even possible? This article contextualizes "ethical meat production" in the broader sustainability movement.
Ethical Meat Production: Animal Welfare In The Context Of Environmental And Social Sustainability
Industrial farming damages the planet, degrades society, and impacts human health. In the drive for sustainability, many advocates point out that our ethical responsibilities extend to the animals within our food system. Therefore, the demand for ethically sourced meat increases yearly, and the term has become a frequent marketing buzzword. But what is ethical meat? Is it the same as sustainable meat? Are either even possible? This article contextualizes "ethical meat production" in the broader sustainability movement.
"Ethically Produced" Is Tough to Define
There is no consensus definition of "ethically produced meat." However, the idea has a strong "I'll know it when I see it" quality for most Americans. Given full knowledge of an animal's life cycle from birth to slaughter, everyone would know that a happy cow lazily ruminating in a meadow produces more ethical meat than a stressed-out animal from a crowded concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO). So it has something to do with animal welfare.
But there is more to it. Generally, we also consider animal agriculture's impact on the broader world as part of the question. Therefore, environmental, social, and socioeconomic issues play a role in defining ethical meat production. If we extend those effects into the future, the question enters the realm of sustainability. It seems, then, that ethical meat production should satisfy sustainability demands while preserving animal well-being up to the moment of harvest, which should be as humane as possible.
Animal Welfare Is Front And Center
A CAFO's objective is to fatten animals to an appropriate weight for harvest as quickly and cheaply as possible, without regard for their wellbeing beyond whether the final product is of acceptable quality. Animals in a CAFO have little (if any!) space to move, may not have access to fresh air or sunlight, and eat species-inappropriate diets that cause distress and illness. This last point necessitates heavy doses of antibiotics.
The famous "Brambell Report" outlines five freedoms animals should enjoy to avoid unethical living conditions. These freedoms form the basis of animal care protocols worldwide, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the World Organization for Animal Health.
The freedoms include:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury, or disease
- Freedom to express normal behavior
- Freedom from fear and distress
In a farming context, the above freedoms require space, (species-appropriate) food and water, shelter, medical care, and same-species companionship. Essentially, a well-managed environment that mimics a natural habitat as closely as possible – but safer. Various models of silvopastoralism, regenerative agriculture, and rotational grazing emphasize the provision and maintenance of the five freedoms.
Good Treatment Equals Better Product
Ethical treatment is not just a salve for the conscience – there are practical benefits. Livestock that enjoys more comfortable, healthier lifestyles produces healthier products for human consumption. For example, studies have shown higher concentrations of vitamins A and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which correlates to lower cancer rates. Moreover, ethical production forbids antibiotics as a prophylactic against illness, a practice linked to human disease.
Ethically Raised Animals Benefit The Planet
This article does not intend to end the debate on whether meat can ever be sustainable. However, the disparate environmental impacts of CAFO-raised and ethically raised animals are worth noting. Studies have shown that well-managed animals can strengthen and regenerate the soil with their natural grazing habits, spreading manure evenly and protecting the local environment from invasive species.
Furthermore, when livestock grazes on natural pastureland, farming avoids the catastrophic pitfall of monoculture – cultivating a single crop to feed either humans or animals. This practice, so prevalent among corn, soy, or pea farms, is hugely destructive to the environment. Instead, wild-grazing livestock promotes biodiversity among microbes, plants, and animals.
Beyond Meat: The Human Element
Whether you source meat from a local farmer you trust or look for the Certified Humane, USDA Organic, or Non-GMO Project label, you will notice that ethically produced meat costs more. It is labor intensive. The farmhands, packers, and other laborers on the ethical meat supply chain add tremendous value to the final product – for the planet and the consumer. As such, they need consideration. Part of the price differential is equitable remuneration for their hard work.
Of course, as with animal welfare, smaller operations often attend to their workers better. But unfortunately, even laudable corporate quality standards rarely ever mention fair labor practices. This inattention is an urgent opportunity for growth in the ethical meat production movement.
Ethical Meat Production Prioritizes Environment And Equity Above Profit
This article has assumed two fundamental presuppositions. First, eating meat is morally justifiable. Second, "sustainable meat" is (at the very least) less deleterious to the environment than industrial animal agriculture.
For readers who accept those two propositions, ethical meat production is a system that provides for animal welfare while satisfying sustainability demands. In practice, an ethical meat farm manages and cares for animals well, allowing them to thrive in a manner that mimics a natural habitat while seeing to the equitable treatment of laborers. It seems, therefore, that the image of a happy cow munching away in a field is an effective shorthand for ethically produced meat.
Key Takeaways
- Check the Labeling – Since there's no standard definition of ethical meat, there's no single label that does the job for everyone. Some people are happy with USDA Organic, others with Certified Humane. Research the requirements for some different labels to see which matches your understanding of ethical meat production.
- Reduce Consumption – Lower consumption rates put less stress on the food system. If demand decreases, there will be less incentive to set up CAFOs everywhere.
- Know Your Producer – Sourcing meat from someone you know and trust is the single best way to know you're eating ethical meat. Farmer's markets, Google searches, and word of mouth can help you connect with local farmers doing their part.
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"Ethically Produced" Is Tough to Define
There is no consensus definition of "ethically produced meat." However, the idea has a strong "I'll know it when I see it" quality for most Americans. Given full knowledge of an animal's life cycle from birth to slaughter, everyone would know that a happy cow lazily ruminating in a meadow produces more ethical meat than a stressed-out animal from a crowded concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO). So it has something to do with animal welfare.
But there is more to it. Generally, we also consider animal agriculture's impact on the broader world as part of the question. Therefore, environmental, social, and socioeconomic issues play a role in defining ethical meat production. If we extend those effects into the future, the question enters the realm of sustainability. It seems, then, that ethical meat production should satisfy sustainability demands while preserving animal well-being up to the moment of harvest, which should be as humane as possible.
Animal Welfare Is Front and Center
A CAFO's objective is to fatten animals to an appropriate weight for harvest as quickly and cheaply as possible, without regard for their wellbeing beyond whether the final product is of acceptable quality. Animals in a CAFO have little (if any!) space to move, may not have access to fresh air or sunlight, and eat species-inappropriate diets that cause distress and illness. This last point necessitates heavy doses of antibiotics.
The famous "Brambell Report" outlines five freedoms animals should enjoy to avoid unethical living conditions. These freedoms form the basis of animal care protocols worldwide, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the World Organization for Animal Health.
The freedoms include:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury, or disease
- Freedom to express normal behavior
- Freedom from fear and distress
In a farming context, the above freedoms require space, (species-appropriate) food and water, shelter, medical care, and same-species companionship. Essentially, a well-managed environment that mimics a natural habitat as closely as possible – but safer. Various models of silvopastoralism, regenerative agriculture, and rotational grazing emphasize the provision and maintenance of the five freedoms.
Good Treatment Equals Better Product
Ethical treatment is not just a salve for the conscience – there are practical benefits. Livestock that enjoys more comfortable, healthier lifestyles produces healthier products for human consumption. For example, studies have shown higher concentrations of vitamins A and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which correlates to lower cancer rates. Moreover, ethical production forbids antibiotics as a prophylactic against illness, a practice linked to human disease.
Ethically Raised Animals Benefit the Planet
This article does not intend to end the debate on whether meat can ever be sustainable. However, the disparate environmental impacts of CAFO-raised and ethically raised animals are worth noting. Studies have shown that well-managed animals can strengthen and regenerate the soil with their natural grazing habits, spreading manure evenly and protecting the local environment from invasive species.
Furthermore, when livestock grazes on natural pastureland, farming avoids the catastrophic pitfall of monoculture – cultivating a single crop to feed either humans or animals. This practice, so prevalent among corn, soy, or pea farms, is hugely destructive to the environment. Instead, wild-grazing livestock promotes biodiversity among microbes, plants, and animals.
Beyond Meat: The Human Element
Whether you source meat from a local farmer you trust or look for the Certified Humane, USDA Organic, or Non-GMO Project label, you will notice that ethically produced meat costs more. It is labor intensive. The farmhands, packers, and other laborers on the ethical meat supply chain add tremendous value to the final product – for the planet and the consumer. As such, they need consideration. Part of the price differential is equitable remuneration for their hard work.
Of course, as with animal welfare, smaller operations often attend to their workers better. But unfortunately, even laudable corporate quality standards rarely ever mention fair labor practices. This inattention is an urgent opportunity for growth in the ethical meat production movement.
Ethical Meat Production Prioritizes Environment and Equity Above Profit
This article has assumed two fundamental presuppositions. First, eating meat is morally justifiable. Second, "sustainable meat" is (at the very least) less deleterious to the environment than industrial animal agriculture.
For readers who accept those two propositions, ethical meat production is a system that provides for animal welfare while satisfying sustainability demands. In practice, an ethical meat farm manages and cares for animals well, allowing them to thrive in a manner that mimics a natural habitat while seeing to the equitable treatment of laborers. It seems, therefore, that the image of a happy cow munching away in a field is an effective shorthand for ethically produced meat.
Key Takeaways
- Check the Labeling – Since there's no standard definition of ethical meat, there's no single label that does the job for everyone. Some people are happy with USDA Organic, others with Certified Humane. Research the requirements for some different labels to see which matches your understanding of ethical meat production.
- Reduce Consumption – Lower consumption rates put less stress on the food system. If demand decreases, there will be less incentive to set up CAFOs everywhere.
- Know Your Producer – Sourcing meat from someone you know and trust is the single best way to know you're eating ethical meat. Farmer's markets, Google searches, and word of mouth can help you connect with local farmers doing their part.
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