Sonoma’s Contentious Measure J Aims to Disrupt Meat Production

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KQED

Politics, News, News Commentary

4.6 • 656 Ratings

🗓️ 22 October 2024

⏱️ 57 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Measure J in Sonoma County wants to ban “factory farms” and force major poultry and dairy farms to downsize or shut down by limiting the number of animals a single farm can raise. The issue has been hotly contested in Sonoma, a major producer of milk, eggs, beef and poultry for the region and state. The measure specifically targets “concentrated animal feeding operations,” known as CAFOs, which backers claim are inhumane and detrimental to the environment. But opponents say the measure does nothing to improve animal welfare and would instead drive humane and ecologically-friendly farms out of business. We’ll talk about Measure J and how it could impact farming in Sonoma County and beyond. Guests: Mike Weber, farmer, Weber Family Farms - a poultry farm in Petaluma Cassie King, spokesperson, Direct Action Everywhere Bay Area - a group that advocates for animal rights and is part of the Coalition to End Factory Farming, the group that started Measure J in Sonoma Phil Barber, reporter, Santa Rosa Press Democrat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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1:21.6	Measure J might be on the ballot in Sonoma County, but if it passes, its impact could spread far beyond the border.
1:29.8	Measure J would ban quote unquote factory farms,
1:32.7	which is to say in this case, simply farms with a whole lot of animals,
1:37.0	chickens, cows, anything else.
1:38.8	Measure J is backed by animal welfare groups
1:41.3	and opposed by many in Sonoma's agricultural communities.
1:45.0	While it would only affect a dozen or two farms in Sonoma, the measure could set a precedent
1:49.3	that has drawn tons of outside spending on both sides of the campaign.
1:53.8	We'll dive deep into the fight over the measure right after this news. News.
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