Harmful bacteria in our meat. The unethical treatment of animals. Industrial manure killing cows. You've read it all here on Envirovore. How did we get into this mess and how in the world do we get out?

It's widely known that industrial animal agriculture – especially confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) – is bad for human health, our communities, and the environment. Now, two reports released this past week sum up the myriad reasons for why CAFOs stink by looking at the science and explaining everything you wanted (and didn't want) to know about industrial meat production.

CAFOs Uncovered: The Untold Costs of Confined Animal Feeding Operations: The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) analyzed the policies that allowed for factory farms to take over agricultural landscapes and the hefty costs to our health and pocketbooks. UCS found that between 1997 and 2005 taxpayer-subsidized grain prices saved CAFOs nearly $35 billion in animal feed.

Putting Meat on the Table: Industrial Farm Animal Production in America: The Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production examined current industrial systems for 2 ½ years, and looked at: air quality degradation in rural communities; waste and input runoff carrying antibiotics and hormones, pesticides, and heavy metals; and stress induced by confinement, leading to food safety concerns like infection. The Pew concluded that these operations pose "unacceptable risks" to public health, the environment, and the welfare of animals.

Don't worry, both reports provide positive alternatives to the dominant system, as well as policy recommendations. So, read up, pass along, and choose your animal protein wisely.

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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.