GPUS Animal Rights Committee
Co-Chairs:
Craig Seeman (cseeman@optonline.net)
Megan E. (Cassano) Callaghan (meganecassano@aol.com)
Approval Process:
With discussions beginning in July, consensus was reached on the final proposals after a few months of discussion; a vote was called by Megan E. (Cassano) Callaghan on September 17, 2021. With no objections, the proposals were approved on September 30, 2021.
Authors:
Blaizen Bloom, Virginia GP (blaizenbb@hotmail.com)
Address: 308 Albert Ave Chesapeake, VA 23323
Mary Rooker, Maryland GP (greentyrtle@gmail.com)
Address: 804 Larch Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912-5828
Chapters of the platform and letters of plank being addressed:
III. Ecological Sustainability
A. Climate Change
Proposal:
III. A. 6
Current Language: Regenerative Agriculture
Revised Language: Conservation Agriculture
III. A. 6. a
Current Language: End industrialized agriculture methods, including monocropping, reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and the use of confined animal operations, all of which are high-order contributors to atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Revised Language: End all commercial animal and industrialized agriculture methods, including monocropping, reliance on synthetic or domesticated animal fertilizers and pesticides, the use of confined animal operations, and commercial regenerative agriculture, all of which are high-order contributors to atmospheric greenhouse gases and the commodification of life. This shall not be construed to deny indigenous peoples and those in isolated geographic areas, where fully plant-based diets may not be feasible, the right to animal agriculture for subsistence.
III. A. 6. b
Current Language: Convert our food producing systems to small-scale organic, regenerative agriculture (agroecology) systems to restore soil health, sequester carbon, foster biodiversity, discourage the currently unsustainable level of meat consumption, and secure robust ecosystem services for a sustainable future.
Revised Language: Convert our food producing systems to small-scale organic, conservation agriculture systems to restore soil health, sequester carbon, foster biodiversity, discourage unsustainable meat consumption, and provide sufficient habitat for wildlife, including predators, to secure robust ecosystem services for a sustainable future.
III. A. 6. c
Current Language: Replace subsidization of industrially produced agricultural products with support for small producers employing organic, regenerative agricultural methods. Localize food distribution systems to minimize waste, build rural communities, and eliminate reliance on fossil fuels.
Revised Language: Replace subsidization of industrially produced agricultural products with support for small producers employing organic, conservation agricultural methods. Localize food distribution systems to minimize waste, build rural communities, and eliminate reliance on fossil fuels.
Reason for proposal:
Like regenerative agriculture, conservation agriculture is the practice of using farming methods that regenerate soil and ecosystems, sequester carbon, reduce use of synthetic fertilizers and water, and other eco benefits in addition to honoring the practices of indigenous peoples. The only difference is that conservation agriculture does not require the use of animals in achieving these goals.
Proposal:
III. A. 7. c
Current Language: Encourage the use of regenerative agricultural techniques
Revised Language: Encourage the use of conservation agricultural techniques
Reason for proposal:
Like regenerative agriculture, conservation agriculture is the practice of using farming methods that regenerate soil and ecosystems, sequester carbon, reduce use of synthetic fertilizers and water, and other eco benefits in addition to honoring the practices of indigenous peoples. The only difference is that conservation agriculture does not require the use of animals in achieving these goals.