Ráðunautafundur - 15.02.2001, Blaðsíða 32

22
(omega-3 PUFA) in the human diet because they are thought to be beneficial to human
health. Exciting new work from IGER is examining ways of enhancing the uptake of PUFAs
from grass into beef, and also studying the subsequent effects on meat quality (Dewhurst and
Scollan 1998). Early results indicate that species selection and management affect PUFA
level in the herbage and that these quality feeds can be translated into quality meat.
CONCLUSIONS
When we started this paper we hoped to be able to finish with a simple and precise conclu-
sion. We expected to be able to answer the question ‘which form of agricultural system is
likely to deliver the range of quality products that will ensure sustainable development within
Wales?’
It is clear that no simple paradigm exists. Even within a small country the size of Wales
there are a number of natural areas or biogeographical zones that reflect the geological foun-
dation, natural systems and processes, and wildlife together with a historical record and an
agricultural and social function. Linking environmental and agricultural objectives is an im-
portant step towards sustainable development. Organic farming, set within agri-environment
schemes, seems to be the option that delivers the greatest number of quality components.
Flovvever, organic farming does encounter an increased number of animal health problems
and in the intensive organic sector environmental problems are known to exist. Much of the
environmental benefits associated with organic farming are associated with the wider range of
crop types required by the system, the improvements in habitat structure and field margins
and the lower level of agricultural output. It is possible that some of these elements could be
introduced into the ICMS, improving the environmental benefits witliout incurring such dra-
matic losses in yield.
The ICMS seems to be preferable where the discussion is focussed primarily on agricul-
tural output whereas the organic or ecological farming system is superior with regard to envi-
ronmental benefits. There must be room for both types of agriculture. Promotion of farming
typologies, to aid greater diversity in agriculture, is likely to produce many benefits.
Of course, pattems of payment by government will be the greatest driver for change and
there may be great benefits for setting targets at the landscape scale rather than on a farm by
farm basis.
REFERENCES
Alcock, M.M., 1992. Role of landscape in wildlife conservation. In: Farm Animals and the Environment (eds
Phillips, C. & Piggins. D.). CAB International, Wallingford: 383-410.
Altieri, M.A., 1999. The ecological role of biodiversity in agroecosystems. Agricultural Ecosystems and Envi-
ronment 74: 19-31.
Bunce, R.G.H., Barr. C.J., Clarke, R.T., Howard, D.C. & Lane, A.M.J., 1996. Land classification for strategic
ecological survey. Journal of Environmental Management 47: 37-60.
CCW, 1997. Tir Cynten - The first five years . The Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor.
Chamberlain. D.E., Wilson, J.D. & Fuller, R.J., 1999. A comparison of bird populations on organic and conven-
tional farm systems in Southern Britain. Biological Conservation 88: 307-320.
Cobb, D.. Dolman, P. & O’Riordan. T., 1999a. Interpretations of sustainable agriculture in the UK. Progress in
Fluman Geography 23: 209-235.
Cobb, D., Feber, R., Hopkins, A., Stockdale, E., O’Riordan, T., Clements, B., Firbank, L., Gouldittg, K., Jarvis,
S. & MacDonald, D., 1999b. Integrating the environment and economic consequences of converting to organic
agriculture: evidence from a case study. Land Use Policy 16: 201-212.