Words and photos by Nina Large |
Whilst you may think local farming has a positive outcome by providing fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products on a daily basis. It is time to consider the environmental impact farming has on our planet and what we can do to prevent further environmental damage and air pollution.
Farming is a contributor to climate change, deforestation, air pollution and general environmental degradation. Although farms pride themselves on taking care of their animals, producing fresh produce for the community and providing family-friendly days’ out; bad farming practices can cause long-lasting damage to our planet.
Farming practices produce greenhouse gases such as methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere; all of which are known causes of global warming. Our planets air quality can also be damaged through pesticides and fertilisers that some farms use. Pesticides and fertilisers contain compounds such as phosphorous, nitrate and ammonia which can end up as pollutants by infiltrating water that has come into contact with the fertilised soil. This can contaminate ponds resulting in the decomposition or excessive growth of algae and can destroy natural habitats, threatening natural wildlife such as fish.
The earth itself can also be damaged; poor farming practices can cause the quality of soil to decline considerably over time from water logging, salting, pesticide contamination and loss of fertility and structure – causing soil erosion. Although not all farms contribute to deforestation; some farms cut down forested areas to expand their land for the purpose of planting more crops. Cutting down forested areas destroys the animal’s habitats. Birds and insects are mostly affected in local areas. However, on a larger scale, deforestation can lead to depletion or fragmentation of species, climate change and precipitation.
Livestock is also a huge part of farming which can have negative impacts on the environment. Animals are the main contributor to greenhouse gases, even more so than crops. They also consume huge amounts of water on a daily basis with the average milking cow consuming up to approximately 50 gallons of water a day. Other livestock such as chickens and sheep require large spaces in order for farmers to uphold a good quality of life for their animals. This leads to deforestation and contamination of soil due to animal excrement, large sewage build up’s and the risk of animals contaminating water with various virus’.
Although farming can leave a negative impact on the planet, there are many companies and farmers working together to create more sustainable farming methods that work towards conservation and environmental protection. Sustainable farming is where farmers still strive to provide enough produce to meet society’s demands; whilst minimalising waste and ensuring farming methods are professional and to an environmental conscience standard. With farmers being responsible for producing 60% of food consumed in the UK it is vital that farming is done to a standard that minimalises environmental damage.
One of the world’s leading sustainable farming organisations, LEAF, has recently expanded one of their schemes to encourage eco-friendly farming practices. On March 21st the organisation's fresh produce in the UK was recorded to have increased from 25 to 39 per cent over the last four years; with many fruit and vegetables in the UK exclusively grown by LEAF supported farms. 95% of leeks and 89% of lettuce sold in the UK is now sustainably farmed by a LEAF farm. The organisation prides itself on ‘working with the food industry, farmers, scientists and consumers to inspire and enable sustainable farming that is prosperous, enriches the environment and engages local communities.’
Claire Drummond, Chief Executive of LEAF says the organisation aims for “more productive soils, cleaner water, greater bio-diversity, efficient energy use and improved connections with people and the natural world.”
Sustainable farming aims to achieve healthier, more productive farming methods. Over the last 6 years’ farmers across the UK have worked closely with LEAF to improve soil management, water usage, conserving energy, protecting crops and enhancing wildlife habitats. Chairman of the organisation, Tom Green, believes the company is “vital in addressing global challenges on climate change as we face possible exit from the EU.” In addressing these problems LEAF offers an intergraded farm management structure and a global assurance system for those working in the farming industry to strive towards more sustainable farming methods.
Another way in which the farm industry could help prevent environmental damage is by cutting down on mass livestock production. Although farms are a supply and demand business which succeed in selling produce regularly and in large quantities; mass meat production is not only harming animals but is harming the planet. Cutting down on livestock production would reduce the risk of infections spread by animals kept in small enclosures. It would also prevent soil erosion and cut down on water usage. Going vegan could save up to 219,000 gallons of water a year that livestock would have otherwise consumed.
Farming is a huge industry, not only in the UK but worldwide. Therefore, it is vital to ensure farming is as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. Sustainable farming is good for the environment and results in higher quality produce, thus making it a safe way in which to produce crops and meat.