Thread by @GeorgeMonbiot

The level of abuse from some people in and around farming has reached the point where I feel I should say this.
It is legitimate to scrutinise, challenge and criticise an industry.
What I’m trying to do is to apply the same standards to farming as I would to any other industry.

Because its land, carbon and ecological footprints are so great, I have focused on the livestock industry.
It's legitimate to have a focus.
I've challenged its claims, explored the evidence, investigated alternatives, criticised harmful practice.
None of this is ethically wrong

I’ve spent more time on this issue than on most others recently. I’ve developed my research and understanding over the years, and dug deeper into the issues. This doesn’t mean I’m pursuing a “vendetta”. It means I'm doing what journalists are meant to do.

My critiques of the industry are not “personal attacks” on farmers, as some have claimed. I’ve named farmers only when I’ve challenged specific claims they’ve made, or praised them for doing something I feel is good. The personal abuse has all flowed in one direction.

I know no one likes to be criticised. I also know that, compared to other industries, farming has received little criticism until recently, so my challenges feel unfamiliar and outrageous. I also know I’ve not got everything right. I try, continually, to improve my evidence base.

But none of this justifies the level of abuse and vitriol, and the occasional threats I receive. None of this justifies @FarmersWeekly mocking my cancer, and other journalists lashing me for the sin of politely requesting evidence.

@FarmersWeekly I’m not going away. Farming is one of the industries I will continue to cover, in detail and in depth. I'll continue to say things that many in the industry will find unsettling and upsetting. I don’t apologise for that. I'm doing my job as I feel it should be done.