An environmental licence for sustainable meat

Translated by Martina Cintioli

It’s widely known that intensive livestock farming is highly polluting: it releases toxic substances into rivers and groundwater, and animals are treated with no respect or regard for their rights. They suffer tremendously and are forced to live in terrible conditions. 

Nowadays, people seem to be more aware, and luckily, more and more are choosing to say a firm no to daily meat consumption, especially to intensive livestock farming. Animal welfare organizations are growing to protect animals. People are realizing that eating less meat benefits not only health and wallet, but also the environment, by reducing waste and pollution. 

Nevertheless, intensive livestock farming remains widespread, particularly in the Po Valley, among the most polluted regions in Europe, with the highest rates of disease and particulate matter.

The National Database reports “a total of 986,167 animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, horses and rabbits. That means if they were all set free, each square kilometre in the province of Modena would need to hold 367 animals”. It's important to remember to include all the farms in other provinces of Emilia and other regions of northern Italy.

It is well known that the greatest pollution comes from pig, cattle, and sheep/goat farming, with devastating consequences, first for the animals themselves, then for the environment, which becomes contaminated with toxic substances like antibiotics and foul-smelling wastewater, and finally for humans. In fact, in areas close to farms, mortality rates are significantly higher than normal and the air, full of emissions, becomes unbreathable and toxic.

Many have suggested introducing an environmental licence for meat, to help consumers make a conscious and informed choice. Being vegetarian or vegan is not necessary, but eating high quality plant-based foods can benefit health, finances and the environment.

Intensive livestock farming with an environmental licence would be the most disadvantaged, but also the most motivated to change. Experts point out that “the most polluting farms are often the ones with the worst living conditions for animals. If, as citizens, we could see a clear and easy-to understand label showing the pollution level of the farm where the products we buy come from, it would help protect animal welfare, the environment, human health, and working conditions”.

Commenting on the issue, Mikla Skolovic, Director General of the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), explains that “an integrated approach that considers health, the environment and consumer rights is important and highlights how transparent and clear communication can positively influence food choices and promote sustainability”.

The environmental licence should clearly show the kind of farming, its environmental impact and it needs to consider animals and consumers health; it helps improve the climate and the planet. The environmental licence is the only way to understand whether the meat consumed is truly sustainable and to avoid preservatives, thickeners and other potentially harmful chemicals.

The environmental licence ensures consumers a healthy and nutritious product, protects honest farmers, highlights those who produce meat ethically and above all, helps safeguard nature and animal rights.

Farming and the environment can coexist, but only with clear rules, respect for consumers and animals and transparency throughout the meat supply chain.

In conclusion, eating less meat, but choosing higher quality options, can be a first step in protecting the planet and the environment.

Mondo Internazionale APS - Riproduzione Riservata ® 2025