Farm Animal Reform Movement

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Farm Animal Reform Movement (FARM) is a nonprofit, public-interest organization advocating vegan diets for animal protection, environmental sustainability, and optimal health. The group began in 1976 as the Vegetarian Information Service and officially formed as FARM in 1981. Back then, it was the only U.S. organization devoted wholly to advocating rights for farmed animals.[citation needed] Today, at least five such organizations are operating, and several larger animal protection organizations have established vegetarian advocacy departments.

The group is headquartered Washington DC and works through a network of volunteer activists in all 50 states and two dozen other countries.

FARM’s founder and president is Dr Alex Hershaft. In the summer of 1981, Dr Hershaft organized "Action For Life," a national conference that helped to launch the US animal rights movement. Shortly thereafter, he gave up a career in environmental management to end animal abuse in animal agriculture.

Dr Hershaft does not draw a salary. The organization is funded primarily by contributions from individuals. FARM maintains a low overhead (less than 5%) and uses no professional fundraisers. The group has one of the lowest budgets among national animal organizations[citation needed] and staffers volunteer all or part of their time.

FARM is a member of Animal Charities of America, Combined Federal Campaign and United Way.