CAFOs to Stay Put in Sonoma County

Sonoma County voters have overwhelmingly defeated Measure J, with about 85% opposing the controversial proposal to ban concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs. Measure J supporters argued it would set a national precedent for transforming food systems away from large-scale agriculture while prioritizing animal welfare.

However, local farmers pushed back, warning of severe economic consequences. According to a government-sponsored impact report, closing all dairy and poultry farms in Sonoma County could result in a $381 million loss to the local economy, along with significant job and wage cuts. Around two dozen CAFOs operate in the county, including four owned by Perdue Farms' subsidiary, Petaluma Poultry, although most of California’s CAFOs are based in the Central Valley.

Farmers argued the measure’s ripple effects could extend beyond Sonoma County, impacting the broader agricultural industry.