super farms

This article explains how the  NFU Chair has spoken out in favour of super farms as a response to increasing food demand. It prompts some interesting reflections about the balance between small scale “sustainable” farming  and this huge factory style process of mega production. It would be interesting to consider the broader economic outcomes of such  facilities in terms of rural jobs and the wider business supply chain. Notwithstanding that the current situation is as quoted below:

“Peter Kendall gave his views as figures reportedly showed that the lack of farmland in Britain was now as acute as the shortfall in China.

Proposals for the first livestock farms that would breed thousands of animals have been dubbed mega farms by critics who claim they will create mass herds in sterile conditions where injuries will go unnoticed, disease will spread quickly and the environment will struggle to cope with the slurry and pollution.

But, as planning experts continue to consider at least two planning applications for large-scale pig and dairy farms, Kendall said that more super farms would be created and the government should make adjustments to allow some farms to keep several thousand animals and be part of a trial aimed at helping Britain feed its population as food demand rises around the world.”