Factory Farming Versus Environment and Society. The Analysis of Selected Problems

Abstract

The thesis examined in the article is the argumentation against a popular belief that industrialised agricultural systems and intensive agriculture are beneficial. Objective facts, reports and commonly available data confirm such argumentation. Intensification in animal farming – in a long-term and multi-faceted approach – turns out to be a practice which not only abuses ecosystems and livestock, but also our health. When we consider all moral, medical and ecological controversies, it seems is meaningful and necessary to express doubts regarding the economic value of factory farming.

Keywords: factory farming, intensive agriculture, monocultures, fishmeal industry

JEL Classification: O13, Q20, Q32, Q41, R11, M14