By Suzanne Potter
A new online tool maps out the locations of California’s 1,300 largest factory farms and lets people know where and how animals from their favorite brands are raised.
The database at FactoryFarmWatch.org compiles publicly available information and makes it searchable.
Lewis Bernier, researcher for Factory Farm Watch and investigator for the advocacy group Direct Action Everywhere, said it is the most comprehensive database of its kind in the country.
“We have the emissions data, violations of water quality laws, OSHA violations,” Bernier outlined. “We have the corporations that own the farms. We have the brands that they sell. And it’s the first time that regular people have ever been able to connect all of those things in one place.”
The map lets you zoom into your area to see the farms closest to you. You can also search your favorite brand to learn about conditions at the dairies and feedlots supplying your eggs, milk, and meat.
Packaging on the products often shows rolling green hills with animals kept outside but Bernier pointed out marketing is often deceptive, masking true conditions.
“The vast majority of animals that are produced for food live in absolutely horrible conditions, because that’s what the market incentives push toward, and that’s what we allow with our laws,” Bernier emphasized. “If we allow them to have 4.2 million chickens in a single egg-laying farm, they’re going to do that.”
Food producers said they maintain high standards and humane conditions, and comply with all state regulations. Advocates at Factory Farm Watch said they hope the database will spur reforms and sway consumers to consider a plant-based diet.
