Why Industrial Ag Subsidies Need to Be Reexamined; and What We Can Do About It

At Svolgere Development, we believe that policy is one of the most powerful tools for shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. That’s why we’re proud to stand with organizations like Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) in calling on the USDA to rethink the way agricultural subsidies are distributed, specifically those that prop up industrial meat operations at the expense of smaller, sustainable producers.

FACT’s petition urges the USDA to stop funneling public dollars into factory farm infrastructure: facilities that are not only environmentally harmful but often place disproportionate burdens on rural communities, workers, and animal welfare. Instead, those resources should be directed toward producers who prioritize health, sustainability, and resilience.

This is not just an issue of food policy: it’s a matter of environmental stewardship, rural equity, and long-term economic sustainability. When we subsidize concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) without safeguards, we undercut the very farmers and ranchers who are building resilient, community-rooted food systems.

As an organization that works at the intersection of agriculture, policy, and economic development, Svolgere is committed to supporting solutions that realign public investments with the public good. That includes:

• Advocating for transparency and equity in USDA funding

• Supporting producers through financial tools like revolving loan funds and community investment models

• Promoting local and regional food systems that protect water, land, and public health

We applaud this petition and urge policymakers to take seriously the voices of advocates, farmers, and citizens who know that real food security starts with smart, ethical policy.

Take Action:

You can sign the petition here if you haven’t already:

https://www.foodanimalconcernstrust.org/take-action