Activists Attack Animal Agriculture

SALT LAKE CITY, January 7, 2007 – Aggressive anti-animal agriculture campaigns have created conflict, not only within agriculture, but also among U.S. consumers, most of whom are generations removed from any agricultural roots and context, according to experts who addressed farmers and ranchers at the American Farm Bureau annual meeting.

Although critics are intensifying their efforts, producers are attempting to accurately inform the general public of the facts of farming by using science to validate claims, unlike activists. More specifically, the Coalition to Support Iowa Farmers (CSIF) is making great strides within Iowa, as well as joining forces with like-minded individuals in other states.

“We in agriculture are giving too much credit and power to these extremists,” CSIF executive director Aaron Putze said. “Instead we need to take them on.”

Since CSIF was started in 2004 with six Iowa farm and commodity organizations, including Iowa Farm Bureau, much has been accomplished. Putze said in 2006 there were nine lawsuits filed against animal agriculture, compared to 14 in 2004.

Putze emphasized that it takes more than just farmers and ranchers to stop extremists. “We have to have our rural communities standing with us. It is time for local communities to rally for livestock agriculture and recognize it as a true economic investment. We need to be cutting ribbons on new operations being built, just like we do for barbershops and gas stations.”

Putze said the public’s perceptions no longer match the realities of farming and ranching and that is the reason for CSIF, as well as other organizations such as the Animal Agriculture Alliance, which is an umbrella industry organization for vested stakeholders, including Farm Bureau.

Kay Johnson, executive vice president of the alliance, said it is imperative for producers to take activists’ threats seriously and respond proactively.

“The major activist groups have more than $300 million in tax-exempt funds ready to attack animal agriculture. Funds continue to grow, and you can expect more action in 2007,” Johnson said. “Why would they slow down? They are succeeding.”

She said there are 25 states that allow ballot initiatives and anticipates California and Colorado to be the next states attacked by activists. Johnson said the organizations have litigators who do nothing other than find ways to sue farmers. There are now 90 law schools that are offering animal law, and it is the fastest-growing program out there, she said.

Putze encourages producers to build alliances and get ready for the fight.

“Success will not be cheap. You have to decide: Is it worth it? If you think winning is expensive, try failure,” he said.

-30-