Berkeley Becomes The First US City To Ban Factory Farming

Berkeley, California, has made history by becoming the first city in the United States to ban factory farming. Measure DD, a citizen-initiated ballot measure, successfully called for a ban on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). CAFOs are notorious for their cruel treatment of animals and detrimental effects on the environment, with little regard for animal well-being in order to maximize profits.


Although there are currently no CAFOs in Berkeley, the ban will ensure that no new ones can be built in the city. With 60 percent of votes supporting the ban, organizations like Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) and Compassionate Bay are working towards having the ban officially certified. This milestone in Berkeley has raised hope that other cities may also take action against factory farming in the future.