A generation ago, the business of raising animals for food in America looked much like it had at the Founding – family farms, open and competitive markets, high standards, and a self sustaining national economy. Today, vast corporations rule almost every corner of the animal agriculture landscape, and these giants are increasingly controlled from foreign capitals. Some economists argue in favor of this new order of things, mainly claiming it is more “efficient.” But there’s also growing evidence that this top-down system can harm the wellbeing of animals, the farmer, and the eater. Join New America’s Markets and Resiliency Program in an open discussion of the pros and cons of America’s new industrial meat system, and of cutting edge efforts to reform the worst practices.
During the morning, Wayne Pacelle, President of the Humane Society of the United States, will discuss his organization’s brand new alliance with family farmers, which has the potential to entirely transform the politics of animal agriculture in America. Also, Christopher Leonard, author of the new book The Meat Racket, will head a discussion of the little-known but fast-growing and highly disturbing practice in which local monopolists pit farmers against one another in “Tournaments.” Leonard’s book, the first detailed look in a generation at concentration in animal agriculture, is fast on its way to becoming a best seller, thanks to recent boosts from The New York Times, Bill Maher, and NPR’s Morning Edition.
How Consolidation Affects the ANIMAL
Animal Welfare: Does Farm Size Matter?
Featured Speakers:
Mike Callicrate
Rancher, Colorado, @MikeCallicrate
Sheila Nichols
Director of Missouri FoodCORE and Ozarks Regional Food Policy Council
C. Robert Taylor
Alfa Eminent Scholar and Professor of Agricultural Policy, Auburn University
Andrew Gunther
Director, Animal Welfare Approved (AWA), Former VP of Procurement for Whole Foods, @AWAapproved
Moderator:
Haley Sweetland Edwards
Editor, Washington Monthly, @haleybureau
Learn more at
http://newamerica.net/events/2014/industrial_meat
