Transfarmation: “The Farmers Are Ready; Let’s Build the Food System We All Deserve”

Katherine Jernigan is the Director of the Transfarmation Project, a farmer-led initiative under Mercy For Animals that helps US contract farmers transition away from factory farming. The program offers free resources and support across three pillars: farm transitions, movement building, and reshaping the food system narrative. With a focus on factory farmers, Transfarmation helps them move towards a better food system for farmers, the planet, consumers, and animals.

The program works with farmers who are struggling with debt, loss of control, and environmental concerns, providing solutions and tools rather than criticism. Through initiatives like the 1100 Farm conversion, where a former pig operation was transformed into a specialty mushroom business, Transfarmation demonstrates the potential for profitability in transitioning to sustainable agriculture. Diversification and value-added products play a key role in financial success, along with access to policy, capital, and market support for scaling farm transitions across regions.