Mega-farms... the debate continues

Factory Farming?

Given our raw experience with fighting the 'super-dairy' campaign here in Nocton, with proposals for a large dairy unit in Leighton, nr Welshpool, Powys and now a huge piggery in Foston, Derbyshire, I am not surprised this passionate debate rumbles on today.

Campaigners warn against rise of the 'mega-farms': Could massive pig, fish and dairy units harm the environment?

'Farming in the British Isles is on the verge of a dramatic step towards industrialisation with the establishment of "mega-farms"...'

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/campaigners-warn-against-rise-of-the-megafarms-could-massive-pig-fish-and-dairy-units-harm-the-environment-8612471.html

Editorial: Who needs mega-farms?

'We eat too much of the wrong sort of food. More cheap meat is no solution.'

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/editorial-who-needs-megafarms-8612309.html

There Is Nothing Gentle or Gradual About Building a New 25,000 Unit Mega Pig Farm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tracy-worcester/there-is-nothing-gentle-o_b_3253630.html

Powys 'mega dairy': Public inquiry over Leighton plan

'A public inquiry has begun into Powys council's decision to refuse planning for a major expansion to a dairy farm housing 1,000 cattle next to a village primary school.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-21656072

Foston pig farm given extra time on proposals

'A firm behind plans to build a farm in Derbyshire with more than 25,000 pigs has been given until May to answer Environment Agency questions.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-21410820

Forget badgers. If we really care about animal welfare, it's time to put a stop to mega-farms

'Proposals for what are called mega-farms have been rejected in the past, but now a significant change of attitude seems to be taking place.'

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/forget-badgers-if-we-really-care-about-animal-welfare-its-time-to-put-a-stop-to-megafarms-8614160.html

Ag-Gag laws seek to put factory farms off-limits to whistle-blowers

It seems the UK Government has signalled its backing for large-scale farms only yesterday... let's hope they aren't too intent on following US practice. With the relaxation of planning law, there is a major risk to our countryside if inappropriate development takes place, particularly if we don't have the protection of tried and tested legislation developed over decades. It is no good trying to enforce restrictions once permissions have been granted and the mega-farms are operating!

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/298569-ag-gag-laws-seek-to-put-factory-farms-off-limits-to-whistle-blowers-

Taping of Farm Cruelty Is Becoming the Crime

'Critics call them “Ag-Gag” bills.'

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/us/taping-of-farm-cruelty-is-becoming-the-crime.html