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THE ISSUE

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)

The majority of meat consumed in the U.S. comes from CAFOs, also known as factory farms. These operations have contributed to the decline of human, environmental and animal health. They disproportionately impact low income and minority communities and make it difficult for small farmers to survive. The Farm System Reform Act will help protect you, the environment, animals, farmers and communities across the country.

Image: sourced from the Food Empowerment Project

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WHAT IS A CAFO

CAFO stands for concentrated animal feeding operation. These are places that raise animals for meat, eggs and dairy products in a confined space. They often house at least 1,000 animal units which would be the equivalent of 700 dairy cows, 1,000 beef cattle,  2,500 pigs, 82,000 laying hens, or 125,000 broiler chickens.

WHY IT MATTERS

CAFOs affect everyone, including you. Human, environmental and animal health are all at risk as well as the welfare of small farmers and the minority and low income communities that surround these operations.

THE SOLUTIONS

Banning new and expanding CAFO development would prevent an increase in the burden they place on society and would allow the Environmental Protection Agency an opportunity to improve oversight of manure management and pollution.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Learning about the issues is a great start. If you disagree with how CAFOs operate, you can support the Farm System Reform Act, learn about CAFOs in your town, change where you purchase your animal products, or reduce your consumption of them.

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