Animals on Factory Farms / 57- What are the best pasture production systems for differ-
ent climates - How can animals be raised in pastures without using
antibiotics - What compounds can replace the current generation of
growth promotants
To study these issues, the UCS and the Pew Commission call for
reform in the funding of agricultural research. Currently, much of
the research takes place at land-grant schools, through funding pro-
vided by agribusiness. Not surprisingly, the “solutions” to agricul-
tural problems often involve products developed by companies that
promote industrial farming practices. The Pew Commission recom-
mends that funding from the federal government could reduce bias,
so that research need not serve the interests of agribusiness.^34
These recommendations for sustainable agriculture will seem
at odds with my perspective on ending the exploitation of ani-
mals. Some animal advocates will dismiss my ideas as merely “wel-
farist.” On a personal level, I believe that it is wrong to kill another
living being—even if that being has lived a “good” life and suf-
fers no pain in dying. I would love to bring readers around to my
moral stance. At the same time, I realize that only about 3 percent
of Americans are vegetarians. I also realize that millions of peo-
ple worldwide rely on livestock for everything from food to live-
lihood to cultural identifi cation.^35 I recognize the conditions that
exist, and I want to improve the situation of animals within them.
Consequently, I support any move to sustainable agriculture. How-
ever, the success of sustainability requires several concurrent devel-
opments. It depends on consumers who are willing to vote with
their dollars. Thus, I support efforts to encourage those who will
buy animal products anyway to purchase humanely raised prod-
ucts. Along with this, I would recommend implementing a reli-
able labeling program that can help people make purchases that
are consistent with their moral commitment to reducing animal
suffering. Currently, consumers have no access to accurate infor-