Family livestock farming: biodiversity, environmental sustainability and social progress

In every bite of meat we enjoy, we come face to face with an uncomfortable truth: our choices are leaving a profound imprint on the air we breathe and the land we inhabit, and are affecting biodiversity. And everything would seem to indicate that we will consume more and more because, logically, there are more of us, but also because our diets and lifestyles have changed throughout history. Now, is it possible to continue eating meat and reduce carbon emissions? Are all livestock models harmful?

Let’s get started. So far, the model that has gained ground in recent decades has been intensive livestock farming, a system with a specific objective: to generate as much food as possible to provide animal protein to as many people in the world as possible. Keep in mind that, currently, meat, milk and eggs provide 34% of the protein consumed worldwide, in addition to essential micronutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin A, iron, zinc, calcium and riboflavin, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

You already know the results of this demand over the years: global warming, soil deterioration, water pollution with animal excrement and fertilizers, water stress, deforestation and loss of biodiversity… so what can we do?

Producing and conserving is possible

There is another way of doing things, and the case of León, in Spain, is proof of this. Recently, the agro-silvo-pastoral farms in the mountains of this area have been recognized by the FAO as one of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). In this cultural landscape, small producers carry out agricultural, livestock and forestry activities and still preserve their traditional knowledge, which is useful for promoting sustainable development. Let’s take a closer look at it.

A favourable climate

The climatic differences in the mountains of León mean that the pastures are of high quality, so the small producer does not need to provide nutritional supplements to the cattle. From the land to the animal, without intermediaries.

A harmonious ecosystem

The diversity of land uses with forests (chestnut, beech, birch, juniper, oak, among others), pastures and cultivated areas generate a space where agriculture, livestock, forestry, harvesting, hunting and fishing coexist in the same space, which gives the area a great agro-ecological value.

In close relationship with nature

In addition to generating food in a sustainable way, the livestock farmers take care of the forest, the springs and conserve the sebes, natural enclosures typical of the area that serve as shelter for the native animals. They are very clear about one thing: they know that in order to produce the best meat, the ecosystem must be in harmony, and wild animals play a very important role in this. In short, a high biodiversity makes the system and the environment more resilient, and the people who opt for it gain flexibility in the face of climate change fluctuations.

More stability for the area

An ecosystem in which production levels and biodiversity are in harmony brings with it a more sustainable economy, allowing producers to plan better. Throughout the years and despite the crises, León has remained upright and its autonomy in terms of food has meant that the region has never lacked local produce. In addition, traditional practices reinforce the sense of belonging and the heritage value that is part of the region’s identity, a sustainable legacy that deserves to be perpetuated.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, improving management practices and drawing inspiration from practices such as those in León could reduce emissions from livestock systems by approximately 30%. At the end of the day, the point is not to demonize all forms of meat production, but to focus on producing meat while keeping in mind that natural resources are finite and valuable.

Towards more sustainable livestock production

For this reason, FAO is working to transform and make livestock systems more sustainable, productive and resilient by promoting initiatives within the framework of the Decade of Family Farming, a period that aims to provide a new perspective on the important role played by family farmers in eradicating hunger and building our food future.

Despite its value and advantages, family farming is very vulnerable to market fluctuations, loss of production and climate change, hence the importance of supporting them through better technologies, policies for fair access to land, data and assistance to enter and remain competitive in the market.

According to the organization, family livestock farming offers six major benefits:

It guarantees better nutrition, because meat is a rich source of essential nutrients, such as high-quality proteins, vitamins and minerals, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious diet.
It promotes food security by raising animals for consumption by their families, thereby reducing food from external sources and shortening supply chains and associated pollution.
It improves livelihoods because it is an important source of income for small producers. The sale of animals, dairy products or other livestock products can generate income that is used to cover basic needs, purchase or exchange for other foods and improve the quality of life of families. It also contributes to generating employment in the area and encouraging more people to invest in rural areas.
It manages natural resources better, because small-scale farmers tend to have a closer relationship with the land and local natural resources. Family livestock farming can encourage sustainable management practices, such as rotational grazing and pasture conservation, which contribute to soil conservation, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.
It protects the environment and contributes to sustainable development, especially in rural areas.
It promotes social progress, because it not only generates employment, but also strengthens community participation, preserves culture and traditions, facilitates the transfer of knowledge and skills, and contributes to the conservation of the landscape and biodiversity.

People involved in family livestock farming are the agents of change we need to achieve Zero Hunger, a more balanced and resilient planet, and thus achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Let’s support them with our purchase!