Animals - General, Nature, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Consumer Industries, Ethics & Moral Philosophy, Agricultural Produce

Meat Business Devouring a Hungry Planet

Name: Meat Business Devouring a Hungry Planet
Author: Geoff Tansey
ISBN: 9780312226862

by Tansey, Geoff, D'Silva, Joyce

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Overview

This ground-breaking book by international experts on all aspects of food production, farming and animal welfare shows that there is an alternative to intensive farming of animals or genetic engineering in order to feed the world. The alternative, which is healthier for humans and kinder to animals, involves not devoting enormous resources to the production of meat, subjecting animals to often appalling treatment and creating both unfair food distribution and a poor diet. The contributions challenge the entire system of agriculture and the food market, asserting that animal welfare, human welfare, and the welfare of the planet go hand in hand.

About the Author, Geoff Tansey

Geoff Tansey is an independent writer and consultant. He has worked extensively in developing countries for the Department for International Development, Oxfam and the UN, and was recently appointed a Visionary for a Just and Peaceful World by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Joyce D'Silva is the former Chief Executive and current Ambassador for Compassion in World Farming Trust and is the co-editor of The Meat Business, also published by Earthscan.

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Editorials

Library Journal

Critical of "big" agriculture, this collection of articles from 20 experts on food production and nutrition sees the world food industry (in particular the meat business) as unsustainable and offers ways to correct the situation. Focusing on the "conflict between the free trade rights of global corporations and the rights of humans and animals," the book states that consumers should be able to learn the place of origin and method of production of their food but that this choice is not available owing to trade regulations such as GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade). "Factory farming" is attacked for its treatment of animals as well as the removal of choices from farmers via vertical integration. Some of the language is inflammatory, as the transition from small farming to large-scale agriculture has aroused passionate feelings. In addition, many recent statistical data are used to bolster arguments, but few references are offered for these data. However, advocates of consumers and organic/sustainable agriculture may find this volume useful. For academic and larger public libraries.--Tim McKimmie, New Mexico State Univ. Lib., Las Cruces Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

International experts on food production, farming, and animal welfare expose factors behind world hunger, factory farming, and unsustainable agriculture, and explain alternatives that are healthier for humans, kinder to animals, and less damaging for the environment. They examine the enormous impact the meat business has globally, and discuss new trade rules that could subvert other measures designed to produce sustainable livelihoods. Material originated at a spring 1998 conference. Tansey is a broadcaster and consultant in food and farming issues. D'Silva is director of Compassion in World Farming. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)