Over 24,000 Factory Farms Established in Europe Amid Environmental Concerns

In a significant expansion of industrial agriculture, more than 24,000 factory farms, also known as megafarms, have opened across Europe, raising serious environmental concerns. This trend reflects the adoption of intensive livestock farming practices akin to those prevalent in the United States, with new data revealing that the United Kingdom alone hosts 1,824 such industrial-scale pig and poultry farms as of 2023.

According to data obtained by AGtivist, the countries leading in the establishment of intensive poultry units include France, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Poland. France tops the list with 2,342 intensive poultry farms, followed closely by the UK with 1,553. The European Commission’s reports indicate that the top ten countries for combined intensive pig and poultry farms are Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, Denmark, Poland, Belgium, and Hungary.

Intensive livestock units are defined as farms that confine large numbers of animals, specifically those housing 40,000 or more poultry, 2,000 or more fattening pigs, or 750 or more breeding sows. This surge in megafarms has coincided with a sharp decline in smaller farms, exacerbating the income gap between large and small agricultural producers.

The rise of intensive farming practices has drawn criticism from environmentalists and agricultural experts alike, particularly due to their contribution to ecological degradation. Research indicates that these megafarms are a primary driver of river pollution, primarily attributed to the high levels of phosphates contained in chicken manure, which deplete oxygen levels in water bodies, endangering aquatic life. A recent study by the University of Cambridge published in the journal Environmental Science & Policy in 2023 highlights that regions with high concentrations of poultry farms, such as the Severn and Wye Valleys in the UK, exhibit alarming ratios of chickens to humans, reaching 79:1.

In the UK, the number of intensive farms has increased from 1,621 in 2017 to 1,824 in 2023. Furthermore, data released under freedom of information laws to Terry Jermy, the MP for South West Norfolk, reveals that these megafarms have breached environmental regulations nearly 7,000 times since 2015, with the Environment Agency conducting approximately 17 inspections per week, of which 75% identified violations. Common breaches include failing to maintain slurry pits, which can lead to environmental contamination, and overstocking conditions that compromise animal welfare.

Despite the high rate of non-compliance, enforcement actions against offending farms have been infrequent. Jermy stated, “These shocking numbers alongside the severity of the litany of offences clearly show that the huge increase to US-style factory farms since 2017 is harming our land and jeopardising our climate targets and sustainability ambitions moving forward.”

In contrast, an Environment Agency spokesperson noted that 98% of intensive pig and poultry farms have been rated in the highest compliance bands and that they strive to work with farmers to rectify non-compliance issues. However, critics argue that this regulatory framework is insufficient in addressing the urgent environmental and ethical concerns posed by megafarms.

Norfolk has been labeled the “megafarm capital of Europe,” housing 122 megafarms with a staggering total of over 25 million factory-farmed animals. Recently, a proposed megafarm in Jermy’s constituency, which would have raised nearly 900,000 chickens and pigs, was blocked by local councillors due to concerns about pollution and climate impact.

Reineke Hameleers, the CEO of Eurogroup for Animals, emphasized the need for the European Commission to reassess its agricultural policies. “These revelations should serve as a wake-up call in Brussels. They contradict commitments to improve animal welfare and promote sustainable farming practices. It is crucial that funding be directed towards agricultural systems that are genuinely sustainable, competitive, and resilient,” she remarked.

The increasing prevalence of factory farming in Europe poses significant challenges to public health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. As the continent grapples with these issues, the path forward will require a concerted effort from policymakers, farmers, and consumers alike to foster a more sustainable agricultural landscape.