Over the last 70 years the industrialization of livestock farming has led to increasingly large and polluting farms. These are factories for meat of the worst quality, paid for by the animals who live in conditions that are entirely unnatural, though they are also putting human health at risk. The system has swept away small-scale farmers, many of whom lived and worked in marginal environments where they were essential to preserving the equilibrium of the landscape and preserving quality agriculture.

Good livestock management is vital to good agriculture and animal welfare is the basis of a breeding respectful of biodiversity

Each year the welfare of millions of animals raised for their meat, milk, and eggs for human consumption is seriously compromised. And the current system poses a great threat to the livelihood of small-scale farmers who cannot keep up with the competition of big producers and the low prices of industrial meat production.

To learn more about the Slow Food philosophy on animal welfare, read the Slow Food policy paper

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Farmers—and consumers—should take this as a starting point for rethinking livestock farming, seeking a natural relationship with the land and the animals in order to offer quality meat for consumption in smaller quantities, but bringing greater pleasure and better health.

Slow Food Presidia livestock farms follow strict production rules. You can find the producers listed here. By buying their products you are helping them to continue their biodiversity-preservation work.

There are also many other virtuous farmers who practice quality farming and respect their animals. Read some of their stories here.

Choose better meat: It’s good for you and good for the planet!