Example research essay topic: The Meat Production Industry And Concerns For Environment - 1,267 words

NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote

Currently there exists many concerns about the direction that the people of the world are moving towards solving environmental problems. Growth in the meat production industry and corresponding manure production has contributed to concerns over air and water quality. If the meat production industry does not yield to more strict regulations pollution will lead to the eventual loss of livestock production from a given community, as well as environmental damage. Land use planning should provide an opportunity for the livestock producers to work with the environment to develop an approach that is fair, equitable, and contributes to an improved livestock industry. A relative concern many governments are faced with is how to feed the world with the least amount of side effects. The creation of a more realistic meat production industry will require better integration of livestock with crop production, and improvement of current land management.

These improvements will lead to a more localized system of production and supply to the relative economy of the meat industry to the geographic area. These changes, associated with a more direct approach of addressing the livestock-sector policies, would transform the livestock economy while alleviating the environmental damages caused by the industry (Durning and Brough 41). Although improvements have been made in many countries a greater call to action is required. Many environmental improvements could be seen in less groundwater depletion, agricultural-chemical pollution, and methane and ammonia emissions (Durning and Brough 42). Within many rural and agricultural communities there is the belief that the continued intensification of agriculture and meat production has degraded and will continue to degrade the environment.

This concern over the impact of meat production and agriculture on the environment is occurring at a time when there are continuing shifts in the views of the community. For issues such as the growth and development of livestock facilities there growing concerns where and how these facilities are established. At the same time there is a need to ensure fair regulations, and adequate protection of the interest of the farm community and individual farmers. If there is going to be an appropriate balance between agriculture, the environment, meat producers and community interests, farmers are likely to face increasing harassment and corresponding legal action over issues related to air and water contamination. At the other extreme, if society over reacts in regulating the livestock sector there is a risk of a damaged and non-competitive agricultural industry resulting in shifts in production from one geographic area to another, with a corresponding loss in employment and economic activity (Caldwell 1998).

If the ultimate success of livestock-production reform depends on actions outside of the livestock sector, internal change is also indispensable. Governments must assist in these changes through appropriate programs and regulations. As governments typically follow rather than lead, the personal choices and actions of the citizens will help motivate them to making appropriate changes (Durning and Brough 42). Part of the challenge for policy makers therefore, in responding to the environmental impacts of livestock production on the rural community, is to develop an approach to the regulation of livestock facilities that is a fair and effective balance between meat producers, agriculture, the environment, and the community. Canadian experience with the establishment of livestock facilities shares much with experience in Europe and the United States (Korevaar 1995).

While there are differences between countries and regions relating to of the type of livestock systems, trends in livestock production, population density (both human and livestock), community, and applicable laws, among others, overriding concerns associated with the impact of livestock manure on air and water quality have been identified in Europe the United States and Canada. Change reflects an increasing emphasis on corporate agriculture and meat production, the development and introduction of new technologies, integration including the involvement of feed and slaughter companies, and an increasingly competitive market driven by a global economy, directly related to the needs and desires of the consumers. Where this growth in the livestock sector has occurred, a corresponding impact on air and water quality has been noted (Korevaar 1995). Key trends affecting the future establishment and development of livestock facilities 1.

Rural farm as a decreasing component of the country's rural population. This continued change in the farm and rural population is accompanied by a corresponding increase in the potential for conflict between rural residents and livestock operations contributing to the potential for nuisance complaints and restrictive policies that will limit the establishment and development of livestock operations (Brown 1997). 2. Elected officials and environmental regulations. More and more are, elected officials willing to implement and enforce environmental regulations affecting agriculture and meat production. Issues related to manure such as the available land base, type of storage, methods of disposal, and the size and type of livestock operations increasingly concern elected officials (Brown 1997). 3. Environmental awareness.

Society has become more and more aware and concerned with issues that contribute to the degradation of the environment. This environmental awareness contributes to less public tolerance of issues related to agricultural pollution. Many within the rural community have corresponding goals of making sure that livestock facilities are established with a high degree of environmental responsibility (Brown 1997). 4. Environmental liability. The potential for nuisance suits, accidents, or poor management that contaminate surface or ground water are likely to lead both farmers and their insurance companies to be increasingly careful in the establishment and maintenance of livestock facilities. Issues related to environmental liability will also, in all probability, lead municipalities to better develop and enforce laws that pertain to the establishment and management of livestock facilities (Brown 1997). 5.

Normal farming practices. Historically farmers have been treated relatively leniently in matters related to manure disposal and the environment. It is often the goal of governments to protect agriculture provided that farmers practice "normal farming practices." Moreover, the application of environmental law and regulations has been sensitive to traditional farming approaches. The result has allowed certain practices to continue, particularly those related to manure handling and disposal, that might be seen as normal, but which may not always be in the best interest of the environment (Brown 1997). 6. Agriculture versus other forms of development. Often, local politicians have a tendency to encourage residential or commercial development ahead of agriculture.

As a result, policies are often developed that favor non-farm development, thereby posing certain obstacles to agricultural activity (Brown 1997). From the trends above it can be concluded that there are two types of issues affecting the siting of livestock facilities. First of all, many of the above issues are perceptual in nature. These issues may not have any real or scientific basis but are perceived as being real by the public and may lead to political support leading to action. As a result, certain legitimate and environmentally sound practices may be challenged because of the public's negative perception or lack of tolerance.

Second, there are many real issues associated with the management of animal manure and the establishment of livestock buildings. Also in addition to the effects on air quality, as the size and scale of livestock facilities increases there are increasing concerns over the protection of ground and surface water. Toward the development of a response across North America there are a variety of approaches designed to protect both the public from the negative impacts of livestock manure and to preserve animal agriculture. In the United States these following programs are diverse and include agricultural zoning by counties (Nebraska); construction permits for animal feedlots (Texas); construction permits for lagoons (South Carolina); property line odor intensity limits (Colorado); objection ability criteria (Iowa); and nui...

Research essay sample on The Meat Production Industry And Concerns For Environment