Discussion topics – debating the latest issues
Farming systems and food production are often hotly debated in the press, media and society at large. LEAF in consultation with industry stakeholders has produced a series of information sheets on some of the current hot topics.
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Agriculture both contributes to and is affected by climate change. In 2012, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions accounting for a total of 471 million tons of CO2 equivalent were cited as resulting from agricultural sources in 28 EU member states1 . The agricultural industry produces methane from livestock digestion processes and stored animal manure, nitrous oxide from organic and mineral N fertilisers and increases CO2 emissions through deforestation. Read more.
Antibiotic use in Agriculture
Antibiotics are essential in combatting many infectious diseases in both humans and animals, but the threat of antimicrobial resistance, which is known to occur in both human and veterinary medicine, is an important issue in our generation.
36% of antibiotics sold in the UK in 2017 were for use in animals, of which 72% was for foodproducing animals. Read more.
Meat Eating and Veganism
Diet, human health and environmental sustainability are inextricably linked. Over the past 50 years, global dietary patterns and food production have changed considerably. Dietary trends and an interest in healthy, affordable, sustainably produced food have steadily increased in public and political agendas. Achieving healthier diets from sustainable food systems, whilst feeding a growing population is a huge challenge. It will require changes in consumer dietary patterns and food production practices and is important in achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. Read more.
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