INTENSIVE Vs. ORGANICWHERE DO YOU STAND
The Irish landscape is largely defined by agriculture. The countryside of North Dublin is dominated
by vegetable farms while Wicklow is famous for its sheep farms. In the South East you'll see fields
and fields of cereal crops while in Tipperary dairy cows dot the landscape. It may be argued that
crops and fields are more pleasing to the eye than intensive farms but the future of farming is
about more than creating a picturesque landscape. It is about market demands, environmental
limitations, economic considerations, tradition, political agendas and the views and values of both
local and global communities.
However, more intensive farming methods, although producing more food for the world, have
been blamed for increasing pollution and cruelty to animals.
The differences between intensive livestock farming vs. organic farming have recently become hot
topics as consumers become more aware of the benefits of organic products. While organic
livestock farms attempt to give the animals the opportunity to roam and graze, intensive farming
has a completely different approach.
YOUR TASK – PIGGY PROBLEMS
A farm is up for sale in Wicklow and there are two bidders for it.
 One plans to use the land to produce free-range pork and bacon from pigs the buildings
will be developed to include a farm-shop where the farmer can sell his products directly to
the consumer.
 The second bidder plans to use the current farmbuildings to farm pigs intensively and the
fields to grow straw for their bedding.
Wicklow County Council is keen to take the views of the local residents into account before
agreeing which plan will take precedence.
Research both types of farming and how they are likely to impact on:
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the local area
the landscape,
the people,
the environment and wildlife.
Write a speech or plan a PowerPoint presentation, that you will deliver to the council about your
views on this matter stating why one plan is more suitable than the other
OUTDOOR/ORGANIC PIGS
INDOOR/INTENSIVE PIGS