Dr. D’Onofrio applies principles from sociology, political science, economics, and science to her on-the-ground work as an advocate for rural communities. Her research focuses on the harm caused by Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (“CAFOs” or factory farms) to rural communities. She challenges the assumption by industry, that anerobic digesters, a relativey new technology are the solution.
This technology would turn manure from factory farms into biogas (so-called renewable natural gas) which in turn would further entrench methane, make factory farms more profitable, would not alleviate harm to the environment, public health, rural communities, nor to the welfare of animals, more of whom would be confined in CAFOs.
The Michigan Legislature is considering bills that would incorporate this technology, in particular SB275. Attorneys for Animals is a founding member of Michiganders for a Just Farming System, and has been fighting this bill for over a year. Sarah is a member of the Steering Committee, and has played a significant role in drafting revisions to the bill.
I understand scholar-activism as scholars who take an explicitly political standpoint in their research. … I’m a political economist as well so I really emphasize the influence of politics on reality. [It] also includes challenging the idea that sciences (as in) the academic establishment are purely objective. We can use academic knowledge to inform policy.
Sarah D’Onofrio, October 7, 2024
This episode of Lunch + Legislation was different than most. It provided real “food for thought” and a framework to analyze the complex issue of industrial agriculture.
The discussion also served to highlight an important goal of L+L: to demonstrate that advocacy comes in many forms, done by people from many walks of life, and can incorporate one’s own strengths and knowledge. Put another way: go ahead and be an advocate!
We can’t do everything ourself. That is my one piece of advice: get involved with a network of people. That makes it so much more possible to have a life and engage in this type of work.
Sarah D’Onofrio, October 7, 2024