Dystopia
Traceability, a guarantee of transparency which would be demanded by the consumer, and the simplification of the breeder's work are regularly put forward to justify the attempt to impose electronic chipping in goat and sheep herds by the through a European directive. But what “transparency” and which “breeders” are we talking about? The right to know what we have on our plate or the essential tool for the industry to further accelerate the flow of purchased and stored meat , resold from one country to another? From the breeder who lives with his animals or from the one who manages his meat production business with productivity curves in mind and data reader in hand?
“Optimization” and “efficiency”, under this double injunction, digital technology is trying to burst into the animal world...as well as that of humans at work.
“In Japan, Amazon has just recruited goats to graze near a warehouse. The company badged them with the same card we wear around our necks. Everything is there: name, photo, barcode.”*
*testimony from a company employee published in “Amazon, behind the screen”, Jean-Baptiste Malet, Le Monde Diplomatique, November 2013