Monday, May 14, 2007
TOPIC 1: Intensive Agriculture: Pig farming in Polandhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4035081.stmBeing intensive agriculture, the world demands Western-Style rich meat diets. In this case, it concerns the pig farm. US pork giant Smithfield Foods have used cheaper methods to mantain their business.
Having kept numerous amounts of pigs in a single room, these pigs can cause harm to the environment.
Case study states: Manure released in huge amounts from the pigs can affect humans, causing headaches, eye irritations, mood alterations and fatigue. This is because manure emit toxic gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in high concentrations if the amount is large. Nitrates can seep through the soil into water systems causing serious implications for marine life and can be a risk to human health. Environmentalist believe pig manure can contain antibiotic resistant diseases.
By studying this case study, it is obvious to see that a large scale farm can not only do good by producing large amounts of food, but also cause pollution. As much as the pig manure can do, locals in the area have problems coping with the smell. These hidden side effects which are not known to many, are able to cause death to the people in Poland.
To be able to save problems like this, i suggest the farm to operate like a normal farm. With many rooms for pigs and hiring more staff to look after the farm, i'm sure the environment can be saved. Humans will then live a peaceful life.
