New Zealand is proud of its clean, green image. But our waterways, land and reputation are under threat from factory farming. Any kind of farming can cause environmental damage, but factory farming especially has a negative impact on the natural environment.
Factory farming is unsustainable, with overcrowded farms overwhelming local ecosystems, leading to depletion of natural resources. The need to grow large amounts of high-energy feed leads to increasing deforestation and soil erosion; and the pollution of water, soil and air by agrochemicals and manure waste is already a huge concern.
Animal waste can be a big problem – just one individual cow produces 15 times more effluent than a human! Of course all farmed animals produce waste, but in overcrowded factory farms the problem is multiplied. The daily pile-up of excrement can lead to major environmental problems. Some farmers use large ponds or lagoons to hold waste, which can overflow into waterways. The residue of pesticides also causes health and environmental problems, as it seeps into ground water. A 2015 New Zealand report found that “pollution from more agricultural intensification in rural areas has become the worst threat to freshwater ecosystems.”
As the more traditional farms in New Zealand are turned into animal food factories, the weaker our ‘clean, green, 100% pure’ image becomes in international markets.
To maintain and develop our image we need to become world leaders, not further expand factory farming. There is a more sustainable future for New Zealand, which will give us a competitive edge with increasingly receptive international consumers.
As a charity, SAFE is reliant on the support of caring people like you to carry out our valuable work. Every gift goes towards providing education, undertaking research and campaigning for the benefit of all animals. SAFE is a registered charity in New Zealand (CC 40428). Contributions of $5 or more are tax-deductible.