Animal advocates want to change the way farm animals are treated, while agribusiness tends to defend the cruel status quo. But it’s important to recognize that farm organizations’ perspectives vary, just as different animal protection groups have different approaches.

Although animal advocates are animated by diverse perspectives, we’ve been able to join forces on common purpose, to push forward with achievable goals, such as banning cruel factory farming confinement systems like veal crates, gestation crates and battery cages. With each legislative advance and with growing mainstream awareness about and opposition to these inhumane systems, farmers and agriculture groups are responding. Some are beginning to recognize that change is inevitable, but industry hardliners are digging in their heels and trying to maintain the status quo.

I recently visited Ohio and Michigan and met with agribusiness representatives to express concern about legislation they are advancing in both states to set up quasi governmental bodies to give the factory farming industry control over regulating how it should treat animals. These measures are a blatant violation of democratic principals, just as factory farming cruelties are an affront to basic humane sensibilities. On both counts, industrial farming is out of sync with mainstream societal values.

We are urging lawmakers and others in Michigan and Ohio to oppose or amend agribusiness’ extreme bills so they better reflect popular sentiments. Though factory farms have an inordinate amount of influence in Lansing and Columbus (as well as in other state capitols), and they are often unwilling to compromise, we remain hopeful.

If the legislature fails to take appropriate action, we’ll have to explore other options, and there is a good chance these matters could be addressed through direct democracy, such as the ballot initiative. Stay tuned …

This July 4th, Farm Sanctuary will be hosting our annual Pignics in Orland, California and Watkins Glen, New York where visitors will have a chance to try meatless hotdogs and other vegan treats, and to meet rescued farm animals. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has sent out a press release warning consumers to be careful about pathogens in meat. "Safe food handling is always important, but during peak grilling season in the warm summer months, there needs to be an increased awareness of safe food handling practices," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Of course, eating plants instead of animals is a good way to reduce the risk of contamination since plants don’t produce fecal pathogens.

Hopefully you can come to a Farm Sanctuary Pignic, but if not, please think about bringing a Pignic to your town by hosting a vegan event for July 4th, or by bringing veggie dogs, veggie burgers, veggie chicken patties, veggie skewers, etc. to other festivities. In 1776, American revolutionaries resolved to throw off the tyranny and exploitation of their overlords. Today, we can make a statement against factory farming and the cruel exploitation of the animals raised for food by declaring our independence from eating animal products.

I was able to see Food, Inc. over the weekend, and it was great to see that the theater was packed. The film’s popularity suggests we’re in the midst of a burgeoning food movement in the United States as consumers are finally learning about the abuses of factory farming and the importance of making informed food choices.

Food, Inc. doesn’t explicitly promote a vegan lifestyle, but it does urge consumers to make a difference “one bite at a time.” Among several recommendations, the film urges citizens to plant a garden (even a small one) and to shop at farmer’s markets. The movie shows footage of chickens, pigs and cattle kept on industrialized farms, along with other affronts to animal welfare. A non-industrialized farmer is interviewed and criticizes factory farming. He describes how confined animals are more likely to be contaminated and diseased, and that people who mistreat animals are also more likely to mistreat humans. Ironically, he’s making these comments while chickens are being slaughtered at his farm and he’s pulling out their guts on camera.

The film also talks about how agribusiness bullies farmers and citizens who challenge the status quo, including through costly litigation and promoting laws to make it illegal to take photos at factory farms. Factory farming requires secrecy to continue as it has, but Food, Inc. is helping promote more discussion and awareness. That’s a very good thing.

The recent cases of swine flu have brought attention to the connection and communicability of animal and human pathogens. Filthy, overcrowded factory farm operations are a breeding ground for disease and contribute to the development of virulent pathogens and emerging health threats. 

Alarmingly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) knowingly allows diseased animals to enter the human food supply. USDA slaughterhouse records obtained by Farm Sanctuary under the Freedom of Information Act show that animals with hepatitis, pneumonia, malignant lymphoma, peritonitis and other ailments have been approved for human food. 

Unfortunately, the USDA and most agribusinesses have taken a “don’t look, don’t find” approach to diseases on factory farms. After the discovery of mad cow disease in the U.S., a slaughterhouse in Kansas wanted to test all their animals for mad cow disease. But, amazingly, the USDA went to court to prevent the testing. As Dr. Allan Kornberg, a public health expert and Farm Sanctuary board member, points out in his new article on swine flu, the Canadian pigs found to have likely contracted H1N1 from a farm worker were found because Canadian farmers must report cases of swine flu to the government. In the U.S. swine flu reporting is voluntary, which leaves the industry to self-regulate. 

Influenza and other diseases afflict animals on today’s factory farms and as disease causing microbes continue to evolve, there will likely be other stains that jump from farm animals to infect humans. It’s time to put an end to the spread of factory farming and for the USDA and agribusiness to openly acknowledge the extent to which diseases are present on today’s farms. We can only solve problems when we address them.

Earlier this year, I was very happy to see Tom Vilsack, the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) break pavement near USDA headquarters in Washington, DC to establish “The People’s Garden.” On Earth Day, he expanded the effort “to promote healthy food, people and communities across the nation.” 

The USDA press release says: “In response to the overwhelming public support and hundreds of letters the 'People's Garden' concept has received, Secretary Vilsack challenged USDA facilities around the world to plant their own 'People's Gardens.' Let’s keep expressing our appreciation to USDA for setting a good example and promoting healthful plant-based eating with ‘The People’s Garden.’

After hearing from many thousands of caring citizens across the United States, including members of Farm Sanctuary, the Obamas decided to grow an organic garden at the White House. According to the New York Times, “While the organic garden will provide food for the first family’s meals and formal dinners, it’s most important role, Mrs. Obama said, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at time when obesity has become a national concern.” 

Our country’s health has deteriorated as industrial animal farming has spread. For the first time in U.S. history, this generation of children is expected to die younger than their parents. But it doesn’t have to be this way, and the first family’s positive example could help turn things around. When Franklyn and Eleanor Roosevelt planted a White House garden, it helped inspire Victory Gardens across the U.S. Let’s hope the Obama’s garden will do the same. 

Our food system has profound consequences for animals, the earth, and our own health, and tragically, we have been eating our way to death and destruction by ingesting products of violence, gluttony and injustice. Hopefully, the seeds of the White House organic garden will blossom and grow in communities across the country and people will be inspired to reconnect with the earth and grow healthful foods that help to nourish mind, body and soul.