Collaborative Roadmaps
These strategic roadmaps are the products of yearlong collaborative working groups that Stray Dog Institute convened, funded, and facilitated from 2020 through 2021. The topics—farm transformation, factory farm gas, and checkoff programs—were identified by participants in the Roundtable on Animal Agribusiness Reform as critical issues requiring greater attention and funding within the movement to build a more just and sustainable food system.
In response, Stray Dog Institute brought together diverse advocates, researchers, and practitioners to explore these challenges and develop practical recommendations for funders and allies. While Stray Dog Institute facilitated and contributed to the discussions, the resulting roadmaps reflect a diversity of perspectives and do not necessarily represent Stray Dog Institute’s institutional views or shared consensus among all participants.
Out of respect for participants’ preferences, the full strategic roadmaps are available upon request. Please complete the form below to request access to one or more roadmaps.
Farm Transformations: Toward a More Ethical and Sustainable Food Future (March 2021):
This roadmap outlines approaches to transform the U.S. farming system toward greater sustainability and equity, focusing on reducing reliance on industrial animal agriculture and supporting just transitions for farmers. It provides background on the structural challenges within current agricultural systems and proposes pathways to shift production and policy toward plant-based and regenerative alternatives. The document was authored by a coalition of advocates and experts working across farmer advocacy, food systems, environmental, and animal protection movements, aiming to align funders and practitioners around shared long-term transformation goals.
Factory Farm Gas: A Threat to Our Climate, Communities, and Clean Energy Future (March 2021):
This roadmap examines the rise of “factory farm gas” (also known as biogas or renewable natural gas) as a false climate solution that entrenches industrial animal agriculture. It explains how these projects are promoted under the guise of sustainability while perpetuating pollution, injustice, and corporate power in rural communities. Developed by advocates working across environmental, food justice, and animal protection fields, the roadmap provides a framework for funders and allies to coordinate efforts that challenge factory farm gas and support equitable, truly renewable energy alternatives.
Checkoff Programs: Invisible Barriers to a Better Food System (December 2021):
This roadmap provides an overview of how federally mandated agricultural “checkoff programs” operate and the ways they reinforce industrial animal agriculture and hinder reform. It outlines the harms that checkoff programs pose to farmers, communities, and the environment, and presents recommended interventions for investment. The document was authored by advocates and experts in food systems reform, including leaders from farmer advocacy, animal protection, and environmental organizations.
