A bold yet realistic vision of how technology and social change are creating a food system in which we no longer use animals to produce meat, dairy, or eggs.
Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma and Jonathan Safran Foer’s Eating Animals brought widespread attention to the disturbing realities of factory farming. The End of Animal Farming pushes this conversation forward by outlining a strategic roadmap to a humane, ethical, and efficient food system in which slaughterhouses are obsolete—where the tastes of even the most die-hard meat eater are satisfied by innovative food technologies like cultured meats and plant-based protein. Social scientist and animal advocate Jacy Reese analyzes the social forces leading us toward the downfall of animal agriculture, the technology making this change possible for the meat-hungry public, and the activism driving consumer demand for plant-based and cultured foods.
Reese contextualizes the issue of factory farming—the inhumane system of industrial farming that 95 percent of farmed animals endure—as part of humanity’s expanding moral circle. Humanity increasingly treats nonhuman animals, from household pets to orca whales, with respect and kindness, and Reese argues that farmed animals are the next step. Reese applies an analytical lens of “effective altruism,” the burgeoning philosophy of using evidence-based research to maximize one’s positive impact in the world, in order to better understand which strategies can help expand the moral circle now and in the future.
The End of Animal Farming is not a scolding treatise or a prescription for an ascetic diet. Reese invites readers—vegan and non-vegan—to consider one of the most important and transformational social movements of the coming decades.
“Reese’s work shows his deep concern for animals and makes clear why others should share it.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Reese does a great job in inspiring his readers (and in making their mouths water) with the idea that a different, sustainable kind of meat is possible.”
—Forbes
“Places the issue of factory farming in the context of human progress and presents compelling arguments on how we should deal with it today.”
—Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of The Better Angels of Our Nature and Enlightenment Now
“History has been marked by turning points like the invention of electricity and the advent of information technology. The End of Animal Farming persuasively argues that the next revolution will be a global transition to non-animal meat and milk. The animal-free food revolution will save the world, and this book is leading the way.”
—Maneka Gandhi, Indian Cabinet Minister for Women & Child Development
“The End of Animal Farming makes an airtight case that the future is plant-based. It’s the perfect uplifting gift for your flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan friends.”
—Dr. Michael Greger, author of How Not to Die
“In this important and riveting book, Jacy Reese proves that cool rationality and warm compassion aren’t opposites. In fact, they make a great team. Reese argues persuasively that factory farming is one of the great moral crises of our day—and he provides a useful road map for ending it.”
—A. J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically
“Reese’s excellent book advances our understanding of an animal-free food system, including its environmental benefits. It is a valuable resource for both students and scholars interested in emerging technologies, social and psychological systems, and case studies. Reese’s writing is clear and accessible, making it perfect for undergraduate and graduate students, readers curious about the topic, and advocates interested in ensuring that their actions are effective.”
—Christopher Schlottmann, clinical professor of environmental studies at New York University
“Jacy Reese expertly integrates information and arguments from a wide range of sources to present a compelling and inspiring vision for how we can end animal farming—and the many harms it causes—once and for all. Highly recommended for anyone who cares about the future of this planet for humans and nonhumans alike.”
—Jeff Sebo, clinical assistant professor of environmental studies and director of the animal studies MA program at New York University
“Our food system causes suffering for literally trillions of animals, making animal farming one of the great moral issues of our time. Indeed, the extent of the problem is so great that it often feels intractable. Jacy Reese lays out a big-picture comprehensive assessment of the situation. He shows that history and current developments are on the side of moral progress. At the same time, he lays out concrete priorities and actionable items that will help society to move forward. For anyone who feels frustrated with our global food system, this book is a must read.”
—Joshua Tasoff, associate professor of economic sciences, Claremont Graduate University
Introduction
1. The Expanding Moral Circle
2. Emptying the Cages
3. The Rise of Vegan Tech
4. How Plant-Based Will Take Over
5. The World’s First Cultured Hamburger
6. The Psychology of Animal-Free Food
7. Evidence-Based Social Change
8. Broadening Horizons
9. The Expanding Moral Circle, Revisited
Acknowledgments
Notes
Bibliography
Index
- “Jacy Reese, The End of Animal Farming,” Responsible Eating and Living, podcast interview
- “Jacy Reese, The End of Animal Farming,” Progressive Radio Network/It’s All About Food, interview
- “Jacy Reese – Author of The End of Animal Farming,” Vegconomist, Q&A
- “In The End of Animal Farming, Jacy Reese lays out a meat-free future thanks to science and tech,” Geekwire, Q&A
- “There’s no such thing as humane meat or eggs. Stop kidding yourself,” The Guardian, adapted excerpt
- “Jacy Reese Thinks Technology and Ethics Will See the ‘End of Animal Farming,’” Vice/Motherboard, interview piece
- “We could end factory farming this century,” Vox, Q&A
- “Madison calendar, November 15 through 21,” Tone, write-up of Madison event
- “Fresh From The Lab: It’s Your Dinner,” KERA/THINK (NPR Texas), live interview
- “Reese discusses the future of a plant-based society,” Yale Daily News, event write-up
- “These are the technology advances that could end animal farming,” The Verge, Q&A
- “Protest Kitchen + The End of Animal Farming,” Main Street Vegan, podcast interview
- “‘Animal Farming Will End By 2100’, Says Major New Book,” Plant Based News, write-up
- “‘Clean Meat,’ the Future of Vegetarianism,” National Review, op-ed
- “Slaughter-Free Meat Is An Answer To Our Cruel And Broken Food System,” Huffington Post, op-ed
- “Food Tank’s Fall 2018 Reading List—19 Books To Take the Food System Back,” Food Tank, included in reading roundup
- “The End of Animal Farming,” TEDx Talks, TED talk at University of Mississippi
- “Why It’s Time to End Factory Farming,” Quillette, original piece
- “The End of Animal Farming,” Now This, video piece