Is Organic Meat Better Essay

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Is Organic Meat Better?
Introduction
What exactly is organic? Is producing organic meat beneficial for the farmer? Financially, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food support the organic sector in Ireland through the Organic Farming Scheme and also through other direct payment and investment schemes. Farmers are pushed to go organic through favourable schemes and grants.
Can producing organic meat also promote helping the environment and animal welfare? However, is organic meat better for human health? Based on an analysis of 162 publications over 50 years of research in relation to nutritional content, there is no good evidence that says that consumption of organic products and organic meat is beneficial to health (Agency, 2009). …show more content…

Farmers must practice in accordance with standards, these standards have been articulated for crop and livestock production. Organic farming involves; a more respectful use of the countryside, concern for the welfare of animals, the production of high quality agricultural products and the application of production methods that do not damage the environment. This farming system is dependent on crop rotations, on a variation of non-chemical methods for the control of pests, diseases and weeds and on the recycling of farm-produced organic materials i.e. green manure, crop residues, animal manure and legumes. There is severe restrictions and exclusions on the use of synthetically compounded fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives. Genetic engineering and its methods and products are also strictly prohibited. (Department of Agriculture, …show more content…

Despite having lower output organic farming provides a sustainable income to farming families due to significantly lower inputs when compared to conventional farming practices. Organic farming is frequently met with opposition from those with varied views on its production levels. Many are of the opinion that all utilisable land should be farmed conventionally, to meet growing food demands of an ever increasing population.

References:
 Clavin, D. and Moran, B. (2011) Financial Performance of Organic Cattle Farming. Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme. Galway.
 Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (2013) Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association: Submission on 2020 Strategy. Internet. Available on: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/.../foodharvest2020/foodharvest2020
 Howlett , B., Connolly, L., Cowan, C., Meehan, H. and Nielsen, R. (2002) Conversion to Organic Farming: Case Study Report Ireland. Dublin: The National Food Centre.
 Keogh, B., Humphreys, J., Phelan, P., Necpalova, I., Casey, A. and Fitzgerald, E. (2009) Organic management strategies and its effect on clover-based grassland production. Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research 48 (267). Carlow.
 Lampkin, N. (1994) Organic farming: sustainable agriculture in practice. The Economics of Organic Farming. An International Perspective.

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