Regenerative Agriculture and Sustainable Diets

A recent publication from Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) is surely set to become essential reading for anyone with a more than a passing interest in this fascinating topic. Indeed, in the opinion of this reviewer, everyone at VetSalus should read at least some of these articles, for this is a wide-ranging work which, while mainly written in a very reader friendly style, does cover a breadth of subject matter.

That the publication comes with an inherent bias will come as no surprise. The opening paragraph boldly states that “This book makes the case for an urgent move away from industrial agriculture towards regenerative farming and the promotion of plant‐based diets.”

That, in the 21st century mankind faces an urgent ‘Catch 22’ problem, that of feeding 10 billion people while saving the planet from the ravages of surging greenhouse gases, will be argued against by few. It is clear that this book will not be advocating alternative solutions, but what is perhaps surprising, is the level of detail and the quality of the writing, from a range of authors, as various aspects of regenerative farming are explored. And while this reviewer rapidly indulged his personal bias by reading the article on whether dairy farming can be part of the future, he quickly found himself enjoying the chapter on free range poultry farming and even regenerative farming without farmed animals!

Some of the chapter titles may seem a little outrageous in their attention grabbing intensity: “Extinction or Regeneration? Humanity has the choice.” is the title of the introductory piece, which is a little overemotional in making some sweeping generalisations like: “Animals farmed for food are condemned to live in prison‐like structures, where their every natural instinct is thwarted. They cannot graze or forage, they cannot rear their young (who are removed); they are kept in barren metal cages or on hard floors.” Many systems of farming do not, of course, run to these extremes. 

The book moves on through a number of sections including those devoted to the need for urgent change, planetary health, human and animal health and future trends, concluding with writings on financial and business aspects. 

The article on “Intensive farming and the antibiotic resistance crisis” will be of special interest to many veterinarians, presenting as it does a wide ranging review of history and examples of use in human medicine, as well as highlighting the use of antibiotics as preventative props to intensive farming systems. The author acknowledges the significant reduction in usage achieved in some countries; the achievements of Denmark and the United Kingdom, are quoted as evidence of what can be achieved. His concluding appeal to change some farming systems is one which few veterinarians will argue with. 

This book will provide some interesting reading to veterinarians who wish to expand their knowledge of regenerative farming. The book’s structure is such that it is easy to dip into and read relevant sections, for it is not a difficult read. And the fact that “Regenerative Farming and Sustainable Diets” is available for free download from the CIWF website¹ considerably lowers the barrier to achieving this.