In this episode, Dr. Fred Gingrich, Executive Director of AABP, is joined by Hannah Thompson-Weeman the Vice President of Strategic Engagement with the Animal Ag Alliance. Founded in 1987, the Animal Agriculture Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that brings together farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, animal feed companies, animal health companies, processors, allied associations and others involved in getting food from the farm to our forks! They safeguard the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. The Animal Ag Alliance connects key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. They engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. In addition, they protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.
Hannah discusses some of the resources available on their website. Animal Ag Allies is an initiative that provides opportunities for networking, training, and continuous development of issue expertise and communication skills. The website also has an animal rights group web that demonstrates how these organizations are well-funded and interconnected to monitor activism. The alliance also has an interactive legislative map that identifies the key legislative activity in each state. Hannah also provides tips for veterinarians to assist their clients in preventing or addressing activist protests or trespassing on their farms. We discuss prevention of activist protests at the AABP conference, security measures we have instituted, and how attendees can do their part in preventing a protest as well as how to react if a protest occurs.
AABP is a member of the Animal Ag Alliance. Members can join the alliance or encourage their associations to join or make a donation by visiting this link.