In Defense of an Omnivorous Diet

by Femi A. in Lifestyle Choices, April 7, 2008

In reaction to unethical industrial animal farming practices, many pamphlets, publications, websites, and even movies have been created in order to promote strict veganism. In contrast, very little exists to promote a conscientious omnivorous diet and sustainable farming. I will describe what I mean by conscientious omnivore and sustainable farming, and will explain why these should be promoted as the best options for mankind, the environment, and even for animals.

To make things change in Canada, we should give farms incentives to come back to more respectful ways of farming. We should create awareness at an early age, so people will grow up knowing where their food and clothes are coming from and, therefore, would care more about how these animals are treated. We should push our Governments to follow the example of Europe and start creating laws against cruelty towards farm animals (Matheny and Chan 590).

Also, on a consumer level, we should promote the boycott of mainstream animal products and push people to consume organic products or food from farms that follow ethical standards concerned about animal welfare. People should also learn to eat less meat. Meat has become so cheap thanks to industrial farming that we got used to eat meat every day and in great quantities. More ethical and sustainable farming methods would not allow such a diet. Indeed, they are usually less productive. As a consequence, promoting conscientious omnivory would mean promoting selective and more reasonable consumption of meat as well as convincing people to pay more for their meat.

The promotion of conscientious omnivory helps making an example of the few farmers who practice more humane and sustainable husbandry. It shows other farmers that ethical farming can be profitable and that consumers’ attitudes are changing. As a consequence more and more people will turn to farming methods more respectful of animals and the environment, and so, one day, factory farms will be history.