By Megan Lane BBC News Magazine With organic meat now readily available, vegetarians who once shunned flesh because of concerns about factory farming find their resolve weakening. Mine has.
By Megan Lane BBC News Magazine With organic meat now readily available, vegetarians who once shunned flesh because of concerns about factory farming find their resolve weakening. Mine has.
Roast duck. Lancashire suckling pig. Venison tenderloin. Welsh rabbit (and no, definitely not rarebit). Devilled lamb's kidneys. After 14 years of my eyes skating over such items on a menu, while dining out last month my interest was piqued by the fleshy riches on offer.
Roast duck. Lancashire suckling pig. Venison tenderloin. Welsh rabbit (and no, definitely not rarebit). Devilled lamb's kidneys. After 14 years of my eyes skating over such items on a menu, while dining out last month my interest was piqued by the fleshy riches on offer.
Because I have started eating meat again, but only meat from animals who've enjoyed a happy life before being slaughtered. Unlike when I decided to eat neither beast nor fowl, organic and free-range meat is now easily available.
Because I have started eating meat again, but only meat from animals who've enjoyed a happy life before being slaughtered. Unlike when I decided to eat neither beast nor fowl, organic and free-range meat is now easily available.
"Happy" pigs make for tasty pigsIt was having a baby that first made me question my meat-free diet; I wrestled with whether she would be vegetarian too (my omnivore partner having ceded the decision to me).
"Happy" pigs make for tasty pigsIt was having a baby that first made me question my meat-free diet; I wrestled with whether she would be vegetarian too (my omnivore partner having ceded the decision to me).
Having low iron levels myself, despite a fondness for spinach, dhal and dried apricots, I decided that organic meat would be part of her diet. So why feed my baby something I'm not prepared to eat myself?
Having low iron levels myself, despite a fondness for spinach, dhal and dried apricots, I decided that organic meat would be part of her diet. So why feed my baby something I'm not prepared to eat myself?
It took another year - and a bout of food poisoning from a tofu sausage - for meat to pass my lips. An organic pork and leek banger from the local butcher. It tasted good. My digestive system didn't crumble. My animal welfare issues were assuaged. And, since then, my iron levels have gone up.
It took another year - and a bout of food poisoning from a tofu sausage - for meat to pass my lips. An organic pork and leek banger from the local butcher. It tasted good. My digestive system didn't crumble. My animal welfare issues were assuaged. And, since then, my iron levels have gone up.
Farmers' markets
Farmers' markets
The nation as a whole is being encouraged to eat better quality meat, less often, for the good of our health and the planet. Last April, researchers at the University of Chicago calculated that cutting meat intake by a few burgers a week would have the same effect on carbon emissions as switching from a four-wheel drive to a saloon car.
The nation as a whole is being encouraged to eat better quality meat, less often, for the good of our health and the planet. Last April, researchers at the University of Chicago calculated that cutting meat intake by a few burgers a week would have the same effect on carbon emissions as switching from a four-wheel drive to a saloon car.
Demand for organic turkey shot up this ChristmasSupermarkets and farmers' markets do a brisk trade in organic products, with meat, eggs and dairy all popular. According to the Soil Association, consumption of organic poultry has risen by 55% since 2004 and concerns over GM food and processed meat have boosted sales of all organic meat.
Demand for organic turkey shot up this ChristmasSupermarkets and farmers' markets do a brisk trade in organic products, with meat, eggs and dairy all popular. According to the Soil Association, consumption of organic poultry has risen by 55% since 2004 and concerns over GM food and processed meat have boosted sales of all organic meat.
But it remains a niche market, typically bought by those who decide to throw money at the problem. Organic products account for just 1.4% of red meat sales, up 14% on last year.
But it remains a niche market, typically bought by those who decide to throw money at the problem. Organic products account for just 1.4% of red meat sales, up 14% on last year.
Chris Lamb, of the Meat and Livestock Commission, doubts that organic meat will ever dominate the market. "You couldn't turn over the whole of British production or consumption to being organic - it's unfeasible in terms of the amount of land available and the price."
Chris Lamb, of the Meat and Livestock Commission, doubts that organic meat will ever dominate the market. "You couldn't turn over the whole of British production or consumption to being organic - it's unfeasible in terms of the amount of land available and the price."
Nor does he see a day when producers and marketers set out to woo wavering vegetarians.
Nor does he see a day when producers and marketers set out to woo wavering vegetarians.
"But if there is someone who is vegetarian for ethical reasons, the fact that there are now organic, outdoor-produced, farm shops that make the whole thing look more acceptable, that gives them an easier access point back."
"But if there is someone who is vegetarian for ethical reasons, the fact that there are now organic, outdoor-produced, farm shops that make the whole thing look more acceptable, that gives them an easier access point back."
Holiday fare
Holiday fare
Bella Jacobs, a mother of two from north London, was a vegetarian for 10 years - "I wore anti-vivisection badges, the lot" - but lapsed while on holiday in France six years ago.
Bella Jacobs, a mother of two from north London, was a vegetarian for 10 years - "I wore anti-vivisection badges, the lot" - but lapsed while on holiday in France six years ago.
Loaves, yes. But fishes?"I was a bit bored with eating cheese sandwiches there, and realised that I no longer had my youthful horror of killing animals - not eating meat had become a habit, not a passion. So I succumbed. And it was easier than I thought.
Loaves, yes. But fishes?"I was a bit bored with eating cheese sandwiches there, and realised that I no longer had my youthful horror of killing animals - not eating meat had become a habit, not a passion. So I succumbed. And it was easier than I thought.
"Now I eat mostly organic meat, and I try really hard to never to eat bog-standard chicken - I once worked in a chicken factory and it was just horrid the way the meat was treated. I've done the force-fed goose thing with fois gras, but I'd never eat veal, or pork from a country that keeps pigs in boxes."
"Now I eat mostly organic meat, and I try really hard to never to eat bog-standard chicken - I once worked in a chicken factory and it was just horrid the way the meat was treated. I've done the force-fed goose thing with fois gras, but I'd never eat veal, or pork from a country that keeps pigs in boxes."
Organic or not, a Vegetarian Society spokeswoman says hardcore vegetarians will not weaken their resolve.
Organic or not, a Vegetarian Society spokeswoman says hardcore vegetarians will not weaken their resolve.
"You would be hard-pressed to find a committed vegetarian who would switch back to being a meat-eater simply because a lamb or cow was bred on an organic farm. These animals are still killed whether they lived on an organic farm or not."
"You would be hard-pressed to find a committed vegetarian who would switch back to being a meat-eater simply because a lamb or cow was bred on an organic farm. These animals are still killed whether they lived on an organic farm or not."
TASTE THE DIFFERENCE? Organic farming severely limits antibiotics and other chemicals; no growth hormonesStipulates smaller flock/herd sizes and other means of ensuring animal welfareOrganic meat and poultry are free-range, roaming outdoors and with spacious indoor areasFree-range/outdoor-reared products not organic unless stated - lower standards of welfare and chemical use Yet she partly undermines the point by admitting that many of the UK's three million vegetarians give up meat because of the cruelty and poor practices involved in factory farming.
TASTE THE DIFFERENCE? Organic farming severely limits antibiotics and other chemicals; no growth hormonesStipulates smaller flock/herd sizes and other means of ensuring animal welfareOrganic meat and poultry are free-range, roaming outdoors and with spacious indoor areasFree-range/outdoor-reared products not organic unless stated - lower standards of welfare and chemical use Yet she partly undermines the point by admitting that many of the UK's three million vegetarians give up meat because of the cruelty and poor practices involved in factory farming.
"We are not criticising the more responsible methods employed by organic farmers in the way they run their livelihoods. I don't doubt that people who claim to eat only 'ethical' meat are clearly uncomfortable with the idea of causing pain and distress, but the only way to completely avoid that is by cutting out meat."
"We are not criticising the more responsible methods employed by organic farmers in the way they run their livelihoods. I don't doubt that people who claim to eat only 'ethical' meat are clearly uncomfortable with the idea of causing pain and distress, but the only way to completely avoid that is by cutting out meat."
That is a step too far for many Britons, but 30% of the UK population is actively reducing their red meat intake.
That is a step too far for many Britons, but 30% of the UK population is actively reducing their red meat intake.
Among them is the family of Rachael Deacon, a teacher in Blackburn, Lancashire. A vegetarian for 10 years, she lapsed after craving meat while pregnant, eight years ago. Today she cooks mostly vegetarian food but splashes out on organic chicken or lamb every so often.
Among them is the family of Rachael Deacon, a teacher in Blackburn, Lancashire. A vegetarian for 10 years, she lapsed after craving meat while pregnant, eight years ago. Today she cooks mostly vegetarian food but splashes out on organic chicken or lamb every so often.
"You hear so many scare stories now about battery chickens. Because I don't buy much meat, I pay more to buy healthier food. I don't want my animals to be slaughtered horribly or to have a horrible life."
"You hear so many scare stories now about battery chickens. Because I don't buy much meat, I pay more to buy healthier food. I don't want my animals to be slaughtered horribly or to have a horrible life."
For when it comes to meat, you gets what you pays for.
For when it comes to meat, you gets what you pays for.
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
Welsh Rarebit has meat in it now? I thought it was overly elaborate cheese on toast?Rob Walker, KidderminsterEd's note: At the restaurant mentioned above, it's rabbit. With flurry ears. From Wales. It's a play on words.
Welsh Rarebit has meat in it now? I thought it was overly elaborate cheese on toast?Rob Walker, KidderminsterEd's note: At the restaurant mentioned above, it's rabbit. With flurry ears. From Wales. It's a play on words.
Welsh Rarebit usually has Worcester sauce in it - that isn't vegetarian as it contains fish.Peter Cliff, Bath
Welsh Rarebit usually has Worcester sauce in it - that isn't vegetarian as it contains fish.Peter Cliff, Bath
I totally agree. I hadn't eaten meat for nearly 15 years, not because I actually cared about animals but simply because of the state of the so-called meat with all it's additives and chemicals.Since it's been easier to buy 'proper' meat I have been tucking in.Lee Rickler, London
I totally agree. I hadn't eaten meat for nearly 15 years, not because I actually cared about animals but simply because of the state of the so-called meat with all it's additives and chemicals.Since it's been easier to buy 'proper' meat I have been tucking in.Lee Rickler, London
This article entirely misses the point for most ethically-minded vegetarians - a cruelty-free chicken is a well-treated live chicken, not an organic dead chicken. Please don't justify bored taste buds by claiming organically-raised meat is cruelty-free. That doesn't involve slaughter.Amanda, Middlesbrough
This article entirely misses the point for most ethically-minded vegetarians - a cruelty-free chicken is a well-treated live chicken, not an organic dead chicken. Please don't justify bored taste buds by claiming organically-raised meat is cruelty-free. That doesn't involve slaughter.Amanda, Middlesbrough
A more useful issue to pursue might be the case for supermarket v fresh from the farm food. I notice a huge difference in flavour and quality between the locally-produced (non-organic) meat and "dirty vegetables" we buy at the local farmers' market compared to the polished, packaged rubbish I can buy in the supermarkets. I'd much rather eat non-uniform, unpackaged local vegetables, straight out of the ground, and fresh meat from the local market any time. Supermarkets may be convenient but do you really want to buy stale food that has been flown halfway around the world?Allan Copland, Paisley, UK
I also became a vegetarian because of the cruelties of factory farming. While I have no problem with the notion of eating animals, especially those caught in the wild, I still choose not to. Organically farmed animals may have a better life than their factory counterparts, but the slaughtering is still production line style and the process is no less stressful or painful, in my opinion.Chris Haslam, Bury
I also became a vegetarian because of the cruelties of factory farming. While I have no problem with the notion of eating animals, especially those caught in the wild, I still choose not to. Organically farmed animals may have a better life than their factory counterparts, but the slaughtering is still production line style and the process is no less stressful or painful, in my opinion.Chris Haslam, Bury
Organic meat is all very well. However, the stark reality is that eating meat is selfish in terms of exploitation of precious resources. Countless more vegetarians are fed on produce such as soya from the same amount of land and water that it takes to raise a few cows or pigs to produce the meat for a few. Whilst I concede the point that organic meat is superior to conventional farming in terms of more humane treatment of animals, the animals are still slaughtered to produce Megan Lane's (and baby's) meals. A hefty price to pay for better tasting meat?Erica, Cambridge
Organic meat is all very well. However, the stark reality is that eating meat is selfish in terms of exploitation of precious resources. Countless more vegetarians are fed on produce such as soya from the same amount of land and water that it takes to raise a few cows or pigs to produce the meat for a few. Whilst I concede the point that organic meat is superior to conventional farming in terms of more humane treatment of animals, the animals are still slaughtered to produce Megan Lane's (and baby's) meals. A hefty price to pay for better tasting meat?Erica, Cambridge
I think it is great that people are getting more involved in the organic market. I have been only buying organic meat for a long time now and believe that animals deserve the right to be outdoors, to roam and forage and to lead a happy life. I am from Germany and the organic market is becoming very big over there, so I encourage people to explore this option and to be considerate and respectful to animals which we eat. Awareness is the key to changing the situation and if organic is too expensive, why not eat less meat?Moritz Buescher, Bristol, UK
I think it is great that people are getting more involved in the organic market. I have been only buying organic meat for a long time now and believe that animals deserve the right to be outdoors, to roam and forage and to lead a happy life. I am from Germany and the organic market is becoming very big over there, so I encourage people to explore this option and to be considerate and respectful to animals which we eat. Awareness is the key to changing the situation and if organic is too expensive, why not eat less meat?Moritz Buescher, Bristol, UK
The vegetarians that don't eat meat because of the killing animals reason are quite often the ones wearing leather shoes, leather handbags, leather jackets or eating products with gelatine in so end up being total hypocrites. Very few of those vegetarians are strict about everything. Thurstan Johnston, Liverpool, England
The vegetarians that don't eat meat because of the killing animals reason are quite often the ones wearing leather shoes, leather handbags, leather jackets or eating products with gelatine in so end up being total hypocrites. Very few of those vegetarians are strict about everything. Thurstan Johnston, Liverpool, England
I used to love meat, I ate it every day and actively avoided most vegetables. Shortly after my 14th birthday I stumbled across some research on factory farming and turned vegetarian. That was 13 years ago and I couldn't possibly bring myself to ever eat meat again, be it organic or otherwise. The very idea of eating a dead animal turns my stomach.Lisa, Osaka, Japan (originally from Glasgow)
I used to love meat, I ate it every day and actively avoided most vegetables. Shortly after my 14th birthday I stumbled across some research on factory farming and turned vegetarian. That was 13 years ago and I couldn't possibly bring myself to ever eat meat again, be it organic or otherwise. The very idea of eating a dead animal turns my stomach.Lisa, Osaka, Japan (originally from Glasgow)
Perhaps Megan would like to look the "happy" pig in the eye, tell it about her low iron levels (and how every single vegetarian suffers with this) and the single occurrence of a dodgy tofu sausage (this never happens with meat, of course) and then put a bolt in its head and take it home for the oven.Shepherd, Staffs
Perhaps Megan would like to look the "happy" pig in the eye, tell it about her low iron levels (and how every single vegetarian suffers with this) and the single occurrence of a dodgy tofu sausage (this never happens with meat, of course) and then put a bolt in its head and take it home for the oven.Shepherd, Staffs
A proper vegetarian is a veggie for life and I would question you ever having any ethics in the first place and jumping ship when your meat-free fad was no longer en vogue.Steve Burdekin, vegetarian for 19 years, north London
A proper vegetarian is a veggie for life and I would question you ever having any ethics in the first place and jumping ship when your meat-free fad was no longer en vogue.Steve Burdekin, vegetarian for 19 years, north London
I have been a veggie for over 30 years, on ethical grounds. I find it unacceptable to kill the animals. My choice and others need to make their choice too. Few people realise that organic farming is grossly inefficient. If Britain were to switch to all organic there would be a food crisis. Pre-WWII Britain was wholly organic and could not feed itself with 40m people. It certainly could not now there are over 60m . We could have to become an net importer. That blows away the idea that organic is somehow sustainable.George Baxter, Bedford
I have been a veggie for over 30 years, on ethical grounds. I find it unacceptable to kill the animals. My choice and others need to make their choice too. Few people realise that organic farming is grossly inefficient. If Britain were to switch to all organic there would be a food crisis. Pre-WWII Britain was wholly organic and could not feed itself with 40m people. It certainly could not now there are over 60m . We could have to become an net importer. That blows away the idea that organic is somehow sustainable.George Baxter, Bedford
Mr Baxter, Britain hasn't been self-sufficient in food since 1760, so I don't think we have to worry about lower-density farming methods too much. I'm an omnivore, vegetarian at home with the family. We went organic last year to avoid chemical and hormone residues etc and the effects are well worth the money. We've lost weight, improved health and fitness and eat food which tastes so much better than non-organic. Andrew, Aylesbury, UK
I applaud your decision to override your veggie principles in favour of the health of your child. Well done you!Ian, Worcester
I applaud your decision to override your veggie principles in favour of the health of your child. Well done you!Ian, Worcester
Two very good friends of mine gave up their desk jobs to become ethical pig farmers a year ago. One was a vegetarian but now makes an exception for his own happy and tasty pigs.Murray, London
Two very good friends of mine gave up their desk jobs to become ethical pig farmers a year ago. One was a vegetarian but now makes an exception for his own happy and tasty pigs.Murray, London
This misses the point on global warming caused by eating meat fed on soya produced from former Brazilian rainforests. The writer appears to have been one of those wishy-washy faux vegetarians who became one purely because they are attention-seekers, now seeking to justify their lack of commitment by attacking those with a true cruelty-free ethical value set. I'd like to know what the working classes are supposed to eat while the writer and her middle class friends are gorging on organic meat... Oh I forgot that will be the Solient Green.Stephen, Edinburgh
This misses the point on global warming caused by eating meat fed on soya produced from former Brazilian rainforests. The writer appears to have been one of those wishy-washy faux vegetarians who became one purely because they are attention-seekers, now seeking to justify their lack of commitment by attacking those with a true cruelty-free ethical value set. I'd like to know what the working classes are supposed to eat while the writer and her middle class friends are gorging on organic meat... Oh I forgot that will be the Solient Green.Stephen, Edinburgh
I buy all my groceries from the organic section, budget allowing, but it does make me angry that we have to spend more to eat quality foods. This should be standard to everyone, not just the ones that can afford to. Claire, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Vegetarianism isn't trendy like it used to be in the 80s and early 90s. Most of the people I knew who went veggie probably did it to be cool, and now most of them are back eating meat, because that's fashionable now. A bit sad really, as they were usually the most vociferous proponents of vegetarianism (you know who I mean - the dreadlocked brigade). I have been vegetarian for 18 years and have stuck with it mainly for ethical, ecological and health reasons. Most people seem surprised when they find out that I don't eat meat, probably because I don't tend to make a big deal out of it - unless I'm mentioning it on BBC News of course.Gary Boyd, Bristol
Vegetarianism isn't trendy like it used to be in the 80s and early 90s. Most of the people I knew who went veggie probably did it to be cool, and now most of them are back eating meat, because that's fashionable now. A bit sad really, as they were usually the most vociferous proponents of vegetarianism (you know who I mean - the dreadlocked brigade). I have been vegetarian for 18 years and have stuck with it mainly for ethical, ecological and health reasons. Most people seem surprised when they find out that I don't eat meat, probably because I don't tend to make a big deal out of it - unless I'm mentioning it on BBC News of course.Gary Boyd, Bristol
I'm interested that you think people are leaving vegetarianism due to improvements in farming practices. I find myself increasingly aware of, and sensitised to, the horrors of modern farming and slaughter. Seeing what lives these animal lead when allowed to behave more naturally just increases my awareness of how awful the lives of most production animals are. I find it increasingly difficult to justify even the small amount of local-reared, free-range meat that I manage to eat. Pippa
I'm interested that you think people are leaving vegetarianism due to improvements in farming practices. I find myself increasingly aware of, and sensitised to, the horrors of modern farming and slaughter. Seeing what lives these animal lead when allowed to behave more naturally just increases my awareness of how awful the lives of most production animals are. I find it increasingly difficult to justify even the small amount of local-reared, free-range meat that I manage to eat. Pippa
I became vegetarian aged 16 for moral reasons and was vegan at 23. Like Bella Jacobs, after 16 years I realised I was vegetarian more out of habit than because I had a passion. I had started to think that there was nothing wrong with eating meat if the animal was ethically reared and not mistreated. True, the slaughter and transportation to the abattoir can be stressful but it's a far more clinical kill than those of the predators in the wild. It was still a big step to eat animal flesh for me personally, much more than eating fish. I will only eat organic meat a few times a month and only fish a few times a week from sustainable stocks. It's worth paying the extra to support ethical farming and for the better taste. I have also noticed the health benefits since eating fish and meat. I often felt weakness when vegan, no matter how many vitamin B-rich foods I consumed, and was ravenously hungry sometimes before meals. Robert Kelly, London
I became vegetarian aged 16 for moral reasons and was vegan at 23. Like Bella Jacobs, after 16 years I realised I was vegetarian more out of habit than because I had a passion. I had started to think that there was nothing wrong with eating meat if the animal was ethically reared and not mistreated. True, the slaughter and transportation to the abattoir can be stressful but it's a far more clinical kill than those of the predators in the wild. It was still a big step to eat animal flesh for me personally, much more than eating fish. I will only eat organic meat a few times a month and only fish a few times a week from sustainable stocks. It's worth paying the extra to support ethical farming and for the better taste. I have also noticed the health benefits since eating fish and meat. I often felt weakness when vegan, no matter how many vitamin B-rich foods I consumed, and was ravenously hungry sometimes before meals. Robert Kelly, London
Vegetarian cheese is produced using a genetically modified enzyme (chymosin) which does not require labelling. All other cheese is made using rennet, from the stomach of a calf... Choose your evil carefully, but don't be sure that even with the strongest will in the world, you will actually know what you're eating!Dagmonger, Londinium
Vegetarian cheese is produced using a genetically modified enzyme (chymosin) which does not require labelling. All other cheese is made using rennet, from the stomach of a calf... Choose your evil carefully, but don't be sure that even with the strongest will in the world, you will actually know what you're eating!Dagmonger, Londinium
