UK National Trust study hails benefits of grass-fed beef over alternatives

摘要

Feeding cattle on grass throughout their lifecycle is the most environmentally sustainable way to rear beef, according to new research carried out in the UK. The study, commissioned by the National Trust, compared the carbon footprints of beef cattleraised on ten of the charity's livestock farms in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Four of these were organic, four conventional and two semi-intensive conventional farms in both upland and lowland areas. While the carbon footprint of grass-fed and conventional farms were comparable, the report says the carbon sequestration contribution of well-managed grass pasture on the less intensive systems reduced net emissions by up to 94%, even resulting in a carbon 'net gain' in upland areas. The farms thathad recently converted to organic status showed even greater gains. "The results are contrary to recent thinking that livestock farming methods must intensify further in order to lessen carbon emissions to feed an ever-increasing world population." says Rob Macklin, national agriculture and food adviser at the National Trust.