Building a Coalition Against Factory Farming with Matthew Dominguez

In this thought-provoking conversation, Mariann Sullivan speaks with Matthew Dominguez, US Executive Director of Compassion in World Farming, about creating meaningful change for farmed animals through strategic advocacy. Dominguez shares insights from his extensive career working on welfare reforms while building toward systemic change in our food system. From the inefficiency of feeding crops to animals to the economic and environmental impacts of factory farming, this discussion explores how different advocacy approaches can work together to create a more compassionate world for animals. Dominguez emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are and building a broad coalition against factory farming that includes environmental, health, and animal welfare advocates.

This episode explores:

• How Compassion in World Farming fits into the ecosystem of farmed animal advocacy organizations and their behind-the-scenes approach to creating change
• The economic reality behind welfare reforms like cage-free eggs and gestation crate bans, and why these changes cost far less than the industry claims
• Why the “Food Not Feed” campaign highlights the inefficiency of growing crops to feed to animals, with only 3-25% of calories ultimately reaching humans
• How welfare reforms serve as an entry point for many advocates and can lead to broader conversations about our food system
• The importance of building a diverse coalition against factory farming that includes environmental, health, and animal welfare perspectives

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Matthew Dominguez is the U.S. Executive Director at Compassion in World Farming, where he leads a team dedicated to improving the welfare of farmed animals and advancing a food system that is better for animals, people, and the planet. With more than 15 years of experience in animal welfare and food policy, he has driven major corporate commitments and public policy reforms for farmed animals and regenerative agriculture.

We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview.

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