Future Trends in Animal Agriculture

HumaneWatch will be represented at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on September 22, as the federal government renews its “Future Trends in Animal Agriculture” symposium series.

Wayne Pacelle and Paul Shapiro of the Humane Society of the United States have appeared on this event’s programs in the past, and it’s great that the government is interested in what we have to say. We'll be replacing Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-CA) on the program. He's one of HSUS's favorite "humane legislators." Pity he can't come.

Next Wednesday morning, our remarks will be focused on “The Animal-Rights Legislative Game.” This necessarily includes HSUS’s long-term strategy of using state-level ballot initiatives to paralyze livestock farmers with increasingly burdensome regulations. The animal rights movement will be represented by Gene Baur, whose Farm Sanctuary group has allied with HSUS on past campaigns. (It was convicted on 210 election law violations after a Florida campaign that granted constitutional rights to pregnant pigs.)

The event is open to the public. (Here's the full program for those who are interested.) On-site registration is available, but the USDA would prefer if you registered ahead of time. (Click here and provide your name, affiliation, mailing address, and e-mail address.)

If you're involved in the policy circles of how animals are raised for food, this is a can't-miss event—especially now. Prepare for sparks to fly.

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