The Eastern Canada Chapter (ECAN) of the Sierra Club of Canada
announces
 
Sustainable Livestock Farms
Healthy Communities
A Gathering of Family Farmers, Environmentalists, Humane Farming Advocates, Scientists, Public Officials and Citizens
 
March 24, 2001   9:00-5:00
Western Fair Grounds, London, Ontario

Intensive Livestock Operations (ILOs) and water quality. In many jurisdictions throughout the United States and Europe the rise of an industry that concentrates farm animals into single large sites has resulted in degradation of both the surface and ground waters. In these regions, whether from lagoon or tank leaching, excessive manure application, spills or deliberate dumping there has been a significant and dangerous lessoning of water quality.

In Canada several provinces have now been unfortunate witness to "pollution events" connected to large intensive livestock facilities. How can water quality be protected while yet encouraging viable farming communities? Intensive Livestock Facilities and Human Health. Pathogens found in livestock manure can have deadly consequences. What pathogens are present in livestock manure and how do they effect human health? Are the huge volumes of manure produced at the typical ILO putting human health at risk? Manure lagoons or tanks produce several gaseous products toxic to humans. What are the human health risk factors? Intensive Livestock Operations and Animal Welfare.

Public Concern over the well being of the animals we raise for food is growing. European regulations and guidelines around farm animal welfare are increasingly stringent in ensuring farm animals have sufficient room to move about freely, access to fresh air and sunlight,  the ability to socialize with other animals. MacDonald's restaurants in the United States recently indicated an intention to target their buying from suppliers who provide animal products reared to a higher standard of welfare concerns. What are the conditions for the animals within ILOs and what are the implications for the viability of the ILO paradigm? Intensive Livestock Operations and rural controversy.

The consolidation of the livestock industry into large production facilities with much greater concentrations of animals has fractured rural communities. Farmers feel the need to support the 'right to farm' while at the same time see the consolidation of the livestock industry squeezing more and more farming families out of farming. Farmers and non farmers alike, worry about the effects that a huge new megabarn built next to them will have on  their water quality,  their air quality, the enjoyment of their properties and the corresponding value of their properties. 

On March 24 come to London and join with other people concerned about the above questions. We will hear from experienced American neighbours what the rise of the ILO industry has meant to their communities. We will hear about viable alternatives to ILO production that are working right now. We will hear from scientists what are the real risk factors and about potential solutions. Most importantly we will listen to, share with and inspire each other. Come and join with others like yourself from across the country and several US States as we seek animal farming solutions that are respectful of the environment, rural communities and the animals themselves.

The registration fee is $25.00 and includes all programs and lunch. Registration is limited so please confirm early. Contact: Don Mills, Box 910 Granton, Ontario. N0M 1V0. donmills@quadro.net (519 225-2163)(fax 519 225 2509)

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Jill Sherrill Smith
Institute of Women's Studies, Queen's University, Kingston
Program in Women's Studies, Trent University, Peterborough
Box 26, Marlbank, ON, K0K 2L0
Phone: (613) 478-1991
Fax: (613) 478-3446

Zen saying: "If you want to know where you are, look down at your feet."