Farmageddon (book)

Farmageddon: The True Cost of Cheap Meat is a book written by Philip Lymbery and Isabel Oakeshott. It was first published in 2014. The book explores the hidden costs of industrial agriculture and the impact of factory farming on the environment, human health, and animal welfare.

Overview

The book is a critical examination of the global food production system, particularly focusing on the practices of factory farming. It argues that the pursuit of cheap meat has led to significant negative consequences, including environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and poor animal welfare standards. The authors also discuss the impact of these practices on human health, including the rise of antibiotic resistance and the spread of zoonotic diseases.

Themes

Environmental Impact

Farmageddon highlights the environmental damage caused by industrial farming practices. This includes deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. The book argues that these practices contribute to climate change and the loss of natural habitats.

Animal Welfare

The book provides a detailed account of the conditions in which animals are kept in factory farms. It criticizes the lack of space, poor living conditions, and the use of growth hormones and antibiotics. The authors advocate for more humane and sustainable farming practices.

Human Health

Farmageddon discusses the implications of factory farming on human health. It highlights the overuse of antibiotics in livestock, which contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The book also examines the link between industrial farming and the emergence of zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Reception

The book received positive reviews for its thorough research and compelling arguments. Critics praised the authors for shedding light on the hidden costs of cheap meat and for advocating for more sustainable and ethical farming practices.

Authors

Philip Lymbery is the CEO of Compassion in World Farming, an international farm animal welfare organization. Isabel Oakeshott is a British political journalist and author.

See Also

• Factory farming
• Sustainable agriculture
• Animal welfare
• Antibiotic resistance
• Climate change