The Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act is proposed as a mechanism for farmers to be compensated for converting from animal production to alternative farming systems.  The legislation was sponsored by Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). Supporters of the bill include a broad range of environmental and animal welfare activist organizations.

The proposed legislation would compensate farmers under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to convert from concentrated animal feeding operations to other forms of agriculture including crop production.  The organizations opposing intensive livestock production cite disaffected contractors who claim exploitation by integrators processing hogs and broilers. In reality, contract farmers enjoy a fair return for their labor and their investment in facilities and they function independently of the vagaries of markets and the fluctuation in cost of ingredients with risks borne by integrators who own flocks and herds. 

Attempting to restructure the U.S. intensive livestock sector will not contribute to removal of the environmental aspects of animal production but will most certainly raise prices given that efficiencies of scale will be sacrificed.  Large integrators are more capable of applying technology to reduce greenhouse gas emission and promote sustainability than numerous individual small-scale producers.

The approach is somewhat reminiscent of the reply offered by then Presidential candidate, the late Governor Michael Dukakis (D-MA) who when asked by an Iowa farmer what he should grow other than low-priced corn suggested after quiet reflection “Belgian endives.” This was an example of a characteristic coastal mindset, ignorant of the realities of food production.