Pastoralism and organic animal farming: are they complementary?

Publication date: 26/02/2019
Extent: 28 pages

Contributions by: Stephen Roderick, Duchy College, UK

Chapter synopsis: A general absence of reliance on purchased inputs as well as a focus on natural pastures and free-ranging animals prompts comparison between pastoralism and organic farming. Pastoralism frequently occurs in the marginal lands that can be found where humans and herds of domesticated animals living in a form of symbiotic relationship, utilising nutritional resources that would otherwise be unavailable for other forms of food production. This chapter discusses some of the key characteristics of pastoralism and explores in detail how these systems complement and conflict with the traditional view of what constitutes organic animal production. The chapter examines pastoral management strategies, compares pastoralism with commercial ranching and contrasts breeding strategies. The chapter looks at the opportunities for animal health promotion and considers the question of whether pastoralism provides good animal welfare. Finally, the chapter examines opportunities for integrated systems, impacts of pastoralism on biodiversity and provides guidance on further reading on the subject.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0028.11