Industrial Farming

R.J. Petrella

Industrial farming is the mass production of livestock, poultry, fish, and crops. The goals of industrial agriculture appear to be the feeding of large amounts of people with large amounts of food that is produced in a cheap manner. This sounds like an ideal way of food production, and it would be...if it weren't for the numerous downsides to using industrial agriculture.
Industrial agriculture involves the use of astonishing amounts of water, land, and chemicals. This not only results in a deprivation of some of our natural resources, but pollution also results from both the chemicals and the feces of the animals that live in incredibly close proximity. This brings up another point of discussion: the animals. The animals that are produced solely for our food in industrial agriculture love together in incredibly close quarters and usually, in the case of the poultry, are unable to move. This provides for an ample environment for disease spreading and production. Do you really want your dinner from diseased chickens?
Industrial agriculture uses a large amount of fossil fuels as well, in order for food to be produced. This not only takes away from our usage of fossil fuels, but it also pollutes our environment as the fuels are used. Finally, the pesticides that are used on the crops are poisonous and can cause harm to humans. The negatives simply outweigh the positives.
Reversing this will be difficult, considering that it has already been so widely implemented in our society. However, along with stressing organic foods, we could take the time and spend the extra money to ensure that we are producing this food in as much of a "pollution-free" manner as possible, and we could make sure that all the animals that are used would be cared for and healthy for our society.