It’s all too easy to fool ourselves when we think about where our food comes from. Say the word “farm” and the average person may think of open fields, animals roaming freely, and harmony between nature and agriculture.
But the reality is starkly different for millions of animals across Europe.
To uncover the true face of intensive farming, the European Institute for Animal Law and Policy and the European Environmental Bureau are presenting a compelling photography exhibition at the European Parliament, “Factory Farming: Unveiling the Hidden Costs”, on 24th-27th March 2025.
Hosted by MEPs Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA), Manuela Ripa (EPP), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Michal Wiezik (Renew), and Anja Hazekamp (GUE/NGL), the exhibition showcases powerful images capturing the stark realities of this cruel and unsustainable farming model.
From extreme confinement to environmental devastation, these works from photojournalists including the award-winning Jo-Anne McArthur – who is guest speaker at the exhibition’s launch event – reveal the true cost of factory farming on animals, human health, and ecosystems.
Alongside the images, eye-opening infographics offer data-driven insights into the scale of these problems and the urgent need for a transition towards a more ethical and environmentally responsible agricultural model.
This is not just an exhibition; it’s a call to action for a more ethical future.
Olga Kikou (Director of Advocacy) was quoted in this piece by the Brussels Times on the European Commission work program for agriculture and food, highlighting the lack of ambition of the Commission regarding animal protection and food transition.
In the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, we see little that gives us confidence that things will change for animals. Is it simply a band-aid on a broken bone—covering up the issues without addressing the deeper, structural problems that need real transformation?
Alice Di Concetto (Chief Legal Advisor) will present on the protection of fish in EU and UK law at the Fish Veterinary Society’s annual conference, which will take place in Edinburgh on March 4th – 5th.
