Cyndi's Two Cents

Biggest threat to animal ag

Commentary.

In recent weeks I’ve seen and heard much about synthetic meat.   Also known as cultured meat or lab produced meat it is not akin to a veggie-burger.  Synthetic meat is derived from cultures of the real thing.  I cannot imagine it would ever replace the beef, pork or meat from other species the majority of us living in these United States of America enjoy today, but I assume there will be a few who find it appealing simply because of the technology involved in its creation.

Nutritionally, synthetic meat should be comparable to the muscle meat from livestock because of its origin.  Taste and cost and availability are all up in the air of course, as is the acceptance of food grown in a lab.

I know there are a lot of people out there quite concerned about the potential damage lab produced meat could do to the livestock industry.  Perhaps I’m naïve but I do not get the sense that it will become a threat to animal agriculture in this country.  The greater threat to animal agriculture still comes in the form of activist groups masquerading as simple supporters of animal welfare.

These anti-animal agriculture activist groups who use terms like “mother pigs” when referring to sows are masters of deception.  They aren’t schooled in animal husbandry.  They aren’t experts on livestock nutrition, handling and housing.  They aren’t lobbying at your statehouse to make things better for the animals on your farm.  They are there to proselytize an anti-animal agriculture message.

Although groups like Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) talk about making sure animals on the farm are treated in a way that “reflects humane sensibilities” the overwhelming message is “don’t eat meat.”

Compass Group, the world’s largest food service provider and Aramark, the largest U.S. – based food service company have been drawn in to the HSUS fold.  According to HSUS head Wayne Pacelle, “These companies are also promoting healthier eating and giving their customers food options that are pleasing to the palate, good for the planet, and invigorating for personal health.”

In a recent blog post, Pacelle announced the collaboration of HSUS and these 2 companies to create new menus and recipes.  He cited Compass Group’s all-plant-based dining station that will soon launch at numerous universities across the country as an example of a “concept creation” HSUS helped to develop.

While talking about humane treatment of farm animals out of one side of its mouth, HSUS is promoting a vegan diet and investing in cooking classes for chefs at the afore-mentioned companies to create meat-free meals.  In Pacelle’s words, “these programs will influence thousands of chefs responsible for millions of meals a day.”

I don’t believe for one minute that HSUS is concerned about the humane treatment of farm animals.  I believe HSUS is concerned that farm animals exist in the first place.  I don’t believe that they are trying to make sure that consumers have options when it comes to the food they eat.  I believe they are trying to eliminate meat as an option from our diet.