Farming, Food and Nature

Livestock production and its use of finite resources is devastating biodiversity and pushing wildlife to the brink of extinction. This powerful book examines the massive global impact caused by intensive livestock production and then explores solutions, ranging from moving to agroecological farming to reducing consumption of animal products, including examples of best practice and innovation, both on land and within the investment and food industries. Leading international contributors spell out the problems in terms of planetary limits, climate change, resources, the massive use of cereals and soy for animal feed, and the direct impact of industrial farming on the welfare of farmed animals. They call for an urgent move to a flourishing food system for the sake of animals, the planet and us. Some offer examples of global good practice in farming or the power of the investment community to drive change, and others highlight food business innovation and exciting developments in protein diversification. Providing a highly accessible overview of key issues, this book creates a timely resource for all concerned about the environmental, social and ethical issues facing food, farming and nature. It will be an invaluable resource and provide inspiration for students, professionals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the general reader.

Joyce D'Silva is Ambassador Emeritus for Compassion in World Farming, the leading charity advancing the welfare of farm animals worldwide. She is co-editor of The Meat Crisis (second edition 2017). Carol McKenna is Special Advisor to the Chief Executive of Compassion in World Farming and organised the Extinction and Livestock Conference on which this book is based.

1. Introduction Part I Setting the Planetary Scene 2. Livestock and the Boundaries of our Planet Part II The Impacts of Livestock Production on the Natural World 3. The great disappearing act 4. Biodiversity, Extinction and Livestock Production 5. Bees versus Robots 6. Conservation and the sacred cow 7. Protecting the Cerrado and Sustainable diets: complementary pathways towards a more conscious appetite 8. The growing demand for fish: impacts on the environment, animal welfare and food security Part III The Impact of Livestock Production on People 9. Livestock Production and Human Rights or How the Chicken Came Home to Roost 10. The role of livestock in developing countries Part IV The significance of sentience in wild and farmed animals 11. Beyond Words: What Animals Think & Feel 12. Creatures of the Factory Farm 13. The scientific basis for action on animal welfare and other aspects of sustainability 14. Green and pleasant farming: cattle, sheep and habitat Part V Solutions for people, planet and animals 15. Agroecology working in Africa: The Case of Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) 16. Balancing the needs of food production, farming and nature in the UK uplands 17. Chikolongo - a win for people and parks 18. Silvopastoral systems: A feasible step towards environmentally sustainable livestock systems in Mexico 19. Farming in harmony with nature Part VI Food policy for the future 20. Paying for the true costs of our meat, eggs and dairy 21. Changing the world, one meal at a time 22. The Sustainable Development Goals: challenge or opportunity? 23. Rethinking our global food systems 24. Sustainability in the agro-food sector 25. Farming insects for food or feed 26. Hopeful signposts to a plant-based future Part VII Health and sustainable diets 27. Healthy and Sustainable Dietary Patterns for Prevention of Chronic Diseases and Premature Death 28. The threat to Public Health from Livestock Production 29. Food, feed and sustainable diets 30. Conserving biodiversity through sustainable diets 31. The case for veganism Part VIII Investing in a Flourishing Food System 32. Corporate engagement strategies to improve farm animal welfare and why they work 33. The Power of Investor Influence 34. The Role of Business in Reducing Meat and Dairy Consumption 35. Plant-Based & Clean Meat Will Save The World 35. Conclusion