To the editor:

The Farm System Reform Act (S. 3221/H.R. 6718), introduced by U.S. Sen.  Cory Booker and U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, will place an immediate moratorium on the construction and expansion of existing large concentrated animal feeding operations and will require all large CAFOs to cease operating by 2040.

Concerned communities will be able to hold factory farms accountable for the negative environmental and public health impacts caused by intense confinement of animals.

This legislation will provide $100 billion in funding to help farmers transition their operations, will lessen the risks associated with stocking density of animals and will decrease zoonotic disease transmission that is facilitated by intensive livestock productions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown, in stark reality, the dangers of the current factory farm system to the welfare of workers, animals and communities.

The Farm System Reform Act is supported by a nationwide coalition of animal welfare, public health, sustainable and local agriculture, and environmental organizations.

Please join me in urging U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, U.S. Sen.  Josh Hawley and U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt to cosponsor the Farm System Reform Act (S. 3221/H.R. 6718).

Melissa Trautman
Concord