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Are slow-growing chickens more sustainable?

Some food retailers have set standards to replace fast-growing chickens with slower growing ones in the next six years while science says that decision is less sustainable.

Charlie Arnot with the Center for Food Integrity tells Brownfield the conversation from production agriculture’s side needs to change.  “Rather than simply talking about what the data shows, we need to share more information about why we do what we do.”

He says today’s methods of producing chicken are better for the birds, the environment and consumers.  “We know that if we switch to slower growing breeds, we need about 1.5 billion more birds annually to get the same amount of meat produced.  To get 1.5 billion more birds, it would take significantly more feed, significantly more water and significantly more land, all of which negatively impact the environment.”

Arnot says farmers need to commit to becoming more transparent which will ultimately reduce consumer skepticism and help people understand how modern farming helps protect the environment.

AUDIO: Interview with Charlie Arnot