The American food system relies heavily on industrial animal agriculture. Thousands or tens of thousands of animals packed into one place have been justified by the industry as a way to feed more people. But there are undeniable costs associated with this type of food production.
Communities living near these operations bear the brunt of air and water pollution, among other things. Animal advocates say that the way animals are raised in this system is inhumane from start to finish. Lakes, rivers, and streams experience unprecedented environmental degradation. The producers themselves, many of whom get into the business for a stable farming job, experience demoralization and unsafe working conditions.
All of us, in some way, are impacted by industrial animal agriculture. This series of stories looks at the impacts, but also some of the ways that people are advocating against this system and looking for a way of farming that is sustainable—for communities, the environment, animals, and farmers themselves.
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