I mentioned, on the opening post, the village of Nocton in Lincolnshire, who are having their own fight to stop a CAFO being developed there. The proposed "Super" Dairy in Nocton will be around three times (8100) the size of the one proposed for South Witham (2984), making it the largest dairy farm in Western Europe. I've not done enough research yet to work out whether the people behind the proposals for Nocton, are the same as those for South Witham, but there are more details on the proposal for Nocton, in this presentation.
As I understand it, the council asked the proposers for Nocton, to withdraw their application because they wanted further information on various aspects of the proposal - by all accounts, it is expected that the proposal either has, or will be resubmitted soon, so their fight is still ongoing.
The people of Nocton and the surrounding areas, appear to be well organised, just as I think we are.
For those in the village of South Witham, Lincolnshire (and their supporters) who wish to try to prevent the construction of a Concentated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) or Battery Cow Factory Farm, immediately outside our village.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Sunday, 30 May 2010
The Pew Commission report
In the USA, the independent Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production (PCIFAP) was formed to conduct a comprehensive, fact-based and balanced examination of key aspects of the farm animal industry. Commissioners represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives and come from the fields of veterinary medicine, agriculture, public health, business, government, rural advocacy and animal welfare.
For two and a half years, the PCIFAP, in consultation with other national experts, conducted an assessment of the industry's impact on the public’s health, the environment, farm communities and animal health and well-being. The PCIFAP conducted public meetings around the country and produced specialized technical reports to help inform the Commissioners and the public.
On April 29, 2008 it issued a comprehensive report of its findings, including practical recommendations that have been made available to policymakers, industry stakeholders and the general public. PCIFAP is a project of The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The report makes interesting reading - you can find links to the various reports below:
To my mind, the report raises serious concerns about:
For two and a half years, the PCIFAP, in consultation with other national experts, conducted an assessment of the industry's impact on the public’s health, the environment, farm communities and animal health and well-being. The PCIFAP conducted public meetings around the country and produced specialized technical reports to help inform the Commissioners and the public.
On April 29, 2008 it issued a comprehensive report of its findings, including practical recommendations that have been made available to policymakers, industry stakeholders and the general public. PCIFAP is a project of The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The report makes interesting reading - you can find links to the various reports below:
To my mind, the report raises serious concerns about:
- Public health threats, through air and water pollution and the mismanagement of antimicrobials (antibiotics)
- Animal welfare issues due to the prolonged containment of the animals
- Externalising of costs associated with the process, meaning the cost of the end product is higher, not lower
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Welcome to South Witham Against CAFO
As the originator of this communal blog, and a resident of South Witham, I thought I, Jeff Moss, would kick off with the first post...
Having just heard recently about the proposals for a CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation),or "Super Dairy" of just under 3000 cows to be created in South Witham, I thought I'd start up this blog, in order that it might act as a focal point for those who are against this idea.
I've only just started to research the proposal and, so far, I've not uncovered very much in the way of positives, but a significant number of negatives.
The village of Nocton in Lincolnshire is also fighting a similar battle to South Witham - they won round one, but round two appears to be on their horizon...will we be the next opponent?
I'm just setting up the shell of the blog so far, but there will be more posts soon, hopefully, not just from myself, but also from the many others in the village who are against these proposals.
A date for your diary is Monday 7th June, 2010 - when those behind the proposals will be coming to put forward their proposal to the village in the village hall - a strong turnout is the best way of ensuring that they understand how committed we are to ensuring that this proposal does not get off the ground in South Witham.
Having just heard recently about the proposals for a CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation),or "Super Dairy" of just under 3000 cows to be created in South Witham, I thought I'd start up this blog, in order that it might act as a focal point for those who are against this idea.
I've only just started to research the proposal and, so far, I've not uncovered very much in the way of positives, but a significant number of negatives.
The village of Nocton in Lincolnshire is also fighting a similar battle to South Witham - they won round one, but round two appears to be on their horizon...will we be the next opponent?
I'm just setting up the shell of the blog so far, but there will be more posts soon, hopefully, not just from myself, but also from the many others in the village who are against these proposals.
A date for your diary is Monday 7th June, 2010 - when those behind the proposals will be coming to put forward their proposal to the village in the village hall - a strong turnout is the best way of ensuring that they understand how committed we are to ensuring that this proposal does not get off the ground in South Witham.
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