Compassion in Farming
Livestock farming causes suffering and early death for billions of animals each year. It is a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a major cause of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. The industry also exploits people -- including the contract growers who bear all the risks of raising animals while international corporations own the animals and reap the financial rewards; the slaughterhouse workers who toil long hours for low pay in unsafe and unsanitary conditions; and the neighboring community residents who suffer from polluted air and water.
The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund has supported multiple organizations that are working to transform farming practices for the benefit of animals, people, and the environment.
In 2023, the Fund began supporting The Transfarmation Project of Mercy for Animals, which helps farmers transition from industrial animal agriculture operations to raising crops for human consumption, with the goal of creating a just and sustainable food system.
The Fund has contributed to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, based in High Falls, NY, which rescues farmed animals, connects animals with people to advance veganism, and advocates for animal rights in alliance with other social justice movements. The Fund has supported, in particular, Woodstock's advocacy programs the Fair Coalition, Dairy Truth, and Consider the Egg, plus a campaign calling on Tractor Supply to stop selling baby chicks.
The Fund contributed during 2016-19 to Animal Place, based in Grass Valley, CA, with a mission to provide refuge for unwanted farmed animals, to further their welfare through education of the public, and to foster ethics of compassion and responsibility towards nonhuman animals by advocating a vegan lifestyle. The Fund contributed specifically to the Food for Thought program, to provide resources that helped wildlife and environmental organizations serve fully vegan or vegetarian food at their events.
The Fund contributed during 2016-20 to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, based in Poolesville, MD, whose mission is to offer care, rehabilitation, and permanent sanctuary for neglected, abused or abandoned farm animals, as well as providing a protected habitat for wildlife; and to promote compassion and humane treatment of all animals by educating the public on farm animal and wildlife issues.