There are huge and urgent questions to be asked and answered about the globalised food system. In cherrypicking examples of poor agricultural practice, highlighting particular academic research, and demonising organic and pasture-fed livestock, George Monbiot risks joining curious bedfellows who claim definitive knowledge of “the science”, and alienating fellow travellers in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss (The most damaging farm products? Organic, pasture-fed beef and lamb, 16 August).
It is a shame that the article did not refer to new research on farmer-led innovation (including that from the IDDRI thinktank and Feeding Britain) and the vital role that ruminant animals play in providing agricultural fertility.
