SONOMA, CALIF. — In the upcoming general election in November, Sonoma County, Calif., residents will vote to decide whether concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) will be prohibited from the area.

If passed, the ballot initiative, known as Measure J, would phase out existing CAFOs over the next three years. It would keep farms and animal production operations from building any new CAFOs. Daily fines of increasing increments would be issued for violations. Additionally, the Agricultural Commissioner would offer a job retraining program for CAFO employees.

The determination of a CAFO would be based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) definition, which includes facilities that confine animals for 45 days or more and meet certain size and surface water requirements. 

Similar to the origins of California’s Proposition 12 — which was signed into law in 2018 after a majority vote in favor of the initiative — Measure J was placed on the ballot by a petition signed by the required number of Sonoma County voters.

According to the county auditor’s assessment, the Agricultural Commissioner would incur an estimated $1.6 million in costs annually during the three-year phase out period. The Sonoma County Human Services Department would incur approximately $1.5 million in costs for employment-related services due to jobs lost. Other fiscal impacts pointed out included potential increases in property tax revenues and civil penalties.

The prospect of this ban has already incited controversy among stakeholders.

Animal rights groups are pushing to get a “yes” vote on the ballot. In their campaign, the organizations claim Measure J protects animals, small farms, the environment and public health.

“Given Sonoma County’s history leading other changes in the food system, it’s a natural choice for us to lead the transition away from factory farming,” said Kristian Garfinkel, a Santa Rosa resident and lead organizer with the Coalition to End Factory Farming, in a promotional video.

The Sonoma County Farm Bureau is helping to lead opposition against Measure J.

“There is no precedent or science to justify the need for Measure J, nor was there any consultation with the agricultural community to better understand what CAFO’s are and why they’re a commonly used designation in agriculture,” said Dayna Ghirardelli, executive director of Sonoma County Farm Bureau. “We are committed to supporting those who provide high-quality, ethically sourced food for our community, and will stand united against this deeply flawed measure.”

Also opposing Measure J is the Organic Farmers Association (OFA), which normally would support initiatives that retaliate against factory farming. The group made an exception in this case as even certified organic farmers would be affected by this proposal.

“Organic Farmers Association recognizes that factory farms are disastrous for the environment, human health and animal welfare,” the group said. “Promoting animal welfare and fighting corporate consolidation are consistent policy priorities of OFA. However, this measure is so broadly written that it would include small to medium pasture-based and certified organic farmers. These independent organic farmers would become collateral damage, outweighing whatever benefit it might generate.”