Lerman Waiss

A Deep Dive into the CAFO Industry's Impact and Evolution

This brief examines the complex debate surrounding Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), which are integral to modern food production but raise significant environmental, ethical, and health concerns. It provides a historical overview of CAFOs' emergence, explores the arguments from economic and environmental stakeholders, and evaluates the consequences of insufficient regulation. The brief also highlights current policy frameworks, such as the Clean Water Act and proposed amendments, alongside potential strategies to balance economic benefits with environmental and public health protections.