The environmental effects of meat

Eco-friendly meat

Group 61Table of contentThe environmental effectsGreen LabelsMarketingIdeas

2The environmental effects The environmental impact of meat production variesWide variety of agricultural practicesMeat is obtained through a variety of methods:Organic farmingFree range farmingIntensive livestock productionSubsistence agricultureHuntingFishing

3The environmental impact of meat production varies because of the wide variety of agricultural practices employed around the world. All agriculture practices have been found to have a variety of effects on the environment. 3Negative impacts:Encroachment on undeveloped landsClear cutting of forests, deforestationLand quality declineUse of virtual water

Negative impact on stream and riparian habitats:Increased phosphates and nitrates Decreased dissolved oxygenIncreased temperature, turbidity, and eutrophication events Reduced species diversity 4Free-range animal production requires land for grazing, which has led to encroachment on undeveloped lands as well as clear cuttingof forests. Such expansion has increased the rate of species extinction and damaged certain abilities of nature, such as the natural processing of pollutants

Free-range animal production requires land for grazing, which has led to encroachment on undeveloped lands as well as clear cuttingof forests. Such exionpansion has increased the rate of species extinction and damaged certain abilities of nature, such as the natural processing of pollutants Grazing land expansion for livestock is a major factor in deforestation, especially in Latin America.[ Land quality decline is sometimes associated with overgrazing. Virtual water use for livestock production includes water used in producing feed because intensive livestock production requires large quantities of harvested feed Many stream and riparian habitats have been negatively impacted by livestock grazing. This has resulted in increased phosphates, nitrates, decreased dissolved oxygen, increased temperature, turbidity, and eutrophication events, and reduced species diversity. Manure and wastewater management planning is needed to ellviate the problem.

4Negative impactsLivestock contribute to about 9% of total anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions 37% of methane emissions 65% of nitrous oxide emissionsWaste:1/3 of agricultural land is used for corn production1/2 of the corn harvested is used for meat production

5At a global scale, it has been estimated that livestock contribute, directly and indirectly, to about 9% of total anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, 37% of methane emissions and 65% of nitrous oxide emissions.

The by-products of slaughtered animals can be used to provide biogas. Trains running on this fuel are already in operation inSweden.5Beneficial impacts:Conversion of waste to high-protein foodE.G.: Currently, 70 % of the feedstock used in the Dutch feed industry originates from the food processing industryControl of specific invasive or noxious weeds on rangelandA more efficient use of animal waste may be a contributing factor in sustainability.E.G.: By-products of slaughtered animals used to provide biogas.

6So the waste from the food processing industry is given to the livestock.

There are environmental benefits of meat-producing small ruminants for control of specific invasive or noxious weeds (such as spotted knapweed, tansy ragwort, leafy spurge, yellow starthistle, tall larkspur, etc.) on rangeland. 6AlternativesSoy: in the form of tofu, tempeh, pups, tofurkey, and every other form imaginable.Seitan:(high protein wheat gluten): in traditional forms as well as those that can resemble duck.Veggie burgers: a mix of all kinds of things in as many varieties but all standing in for the beef staple.7Role of green labelsLabels on food that ensure the consumer that the product is eco-friendly.

Organic meat and dairy:No antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides are given to animalsLivestock are given all organic feed.Disease is prevented with natural methods such as clean housing, rotational grazing, and a healthy diet.Livestock must have access to the outdoors.

88Role of green labelsLifecycle of the product is not included in the labelGreen labels also try to ensure fair trade

9Green label examples

FinlandUSAEurope10Europe: label is based on organic food productionOrganic production contributes to a high level of biodiversity and the preservation of species and natural habitats.Organic production makes responsible use of energy and natural resources.Organic production takes account of local and regional balances and encourages the use of on-site resources.Organic production enhances soil life, natural soil fertility and water quality.

Finland:Activities at Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira aim at ensuring food safety, promoting animal health and welfare, and developing the prerequisites for plant and animal production, and plant health.

USAThe framework of this plan depends on these key activities: expanding markets for agricultural products and support international economic development, further developing alternative markets for agricultural products and activities, providing financing needed to help expand job opportunities and improve housing, utilities and infrastructure in rural America

10Facts used to convince consumer3 types:Organic: animals fed entirely with organic feed

Grass-fed: Grass-fed meat is fed largely or exclusively on the natural food for ruminants like cows and sheep, instead of on corn and soy.

Local: Local meat is grown near the place it is consumed

11Organic: animals fed entirely with organic feed, excluding GMOs, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and synthetic fertilizers. They are not fed antibiotics or growth hormones and are not genetically modified themselves. Since a third of all grains goes to feed livestock, and almost half of all cropland is used to grow grains, organic livestock feed could better the ecology of an area about the size of Alaska and California combined. Not bad.

Grass-fed: Grass-fed meat is fed largely or exclusively on the natural food for ruminants like cows and sheep, instead of on corn and soy and other non-grass additives that make up industrial feed. The most obvious benefits are in the health of the animals and the people who eat them, but it also amplifies some of the environmental benefits of the organic meat. All those acres of feed that stay chemical-free under organic agriculture dont need to be planted for grass-fed, though they may be needed for pasture. And, ruminants that eat grass have better digestion and lower methane emissions.

Local: Local meat is grown near the place it is consumed, and the designation implies traditional, non-industrial farming, though this isnt always the case. The benefits of local are as often described in terms of supporting local economies or freshness as they are described in terms of reducing the energy and pollution from transporting meat long distances.

11How to sell it?TransparancyHappy cowsMarketing campaignsComparing with normal product (which is bad)Try to jump on the green train (younger generation?)

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Improve environmental approachTransparancyRaise taxes on bad meatStandarized rules ans labels (WTO)Import restrictions against bad meatRestrictions and rules on use of antibiotics/treatment&transport of animals13Strenghts/weaknessesStrenghtsFocus on the humanely treated animalsDoes not contain potentially harmful toxinsImproves the environment

WeaknessesIt is more expensiveNot as easily available as other meat

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Possible sales channelsOrganic webshopIn the supermarkets next to the regular meatRestaurantsButcher (certification)Direct sales from the farms/marketplace

15Future ideasIncrease availability by adding more channelsRaise awareness and increase transparency Raise taxes on bad meatStandardize rules and labelsImport restrictions on regular meatRegulations on the use of medication on animals

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Questions?17