Since the US long ago shifted from an agrarian to an urban society, the gap in knowledge and understanding of animal agriculture has widened dramatically. Today, less than 2% of the US population is involved in agriculture of any kind, which creates an opportunity for myths and misinformation to flourish.
Activists of all stripes have taken advantage of that gap, painting animal agriculture, including modern poultry production, and research in a negative light. Most of these groups believe there is no way to ethically and responsibly raise animals for food.
“For them, it’s about ending the consumption of animal protein,” said Hannah Thompson, president and chief executive officer of Animal Agriculture Alliance (the Alliance), in her keynote address at the 2024 International Poultry Scientific Forum.