The distribution of land ownership creates one of the most powerful barriers to food system justice and sustainability. Land consolidation, like corporate consolidation, makes factory farming possible. But who owns land, and how much, isn’t an accident. It’s the result of historical, legal, social, and economic structures that reflect and perpetuate structural inequalities, particularly systemic racism. As we seek to make food systems work for animals, people, and the planet, we must, in Representative Alma Adams’ (NC) words, provide the pathways to “create a new generation of Black farmers.”

On February 23, 2023, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled North Carolina's Property Protection Act (the Act) as unconstitutional, more specifically noting that undercover investigations and whistleblowing are activities protected by the First Amendment. The Act was one in a long line of “Ag-Gag” laws that have been proposed across the United States in recent years. This ruling follows nearly five years of litigation instigated by a coalition of public interest groups: PETA, ALDF, Center for Food Safety, Food & Water Watch, Government Accountability Project, ASPCA, Farm Forward, and Farm Sanctuary who challenged the Act for its clear violation of the most fundamental of citizens' First Amendment rights.

What we saw in Henderson is building the future of more just U.S. food systems. At the Green Rural Redevelopment Organization ... micro-farmers come together to nourish their community through food hub-style aggregation and medically tailored meal distribution. The food is produced, processed, and distributed by and for the community, advancing health, wealth, and racial justice.

Building on outreach to more than 2,000 organizations over 20 months, the D.C. Roundtable will lead to a series of roadmaps to help transition us away from the status quo — one that misuses resources and hurts nearly all of us — to one that is more just, compassionate, and sustainable for people, animals, and our shared environment.

Farm Sanctuary hosted a “Roundtable Review of U.S. Food Systems” on Capitol Hill, sponsored by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), with additional in-person remarks from Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and advocates from key national and community-based organizations, including Farm Action, The Center for Biological Diversity, The Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute, and Corbin Hill Food Project.

Every February, we think fondly of our groundhog friends still hibernating underground. And there's no need to rouse “Punxsutawney Phil” to check his shadow—groundhogs reemerge on their own. At Sanctuary, we do our best to live in harmony with wildlife—after all, this land is their land, too. Check here for cute photos of some of the friends who also call Farm Sanctuary home!

This year, make a heartfelt, homemade chocolate dessert. We’re swooning over this not-too-sweet, moist vegan chocolate cake recipe, which is sure to become so beloved you’ll have to make it year-round.

What a kickoff to 2023! We have so much to share with you in the coming months about our work to fight factory farming and “build the good” — food systems that work for animals, people, and the planet. In the meantime, we thought that we would share our top four highlights from January.

Former Vice President of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Executive Director of Tusk USA brings 35 years of nonprofit experience serving animals, people, and the planet