The Animal Agriculture Alliance has written well-known conservative author and commentator George Will to criticize a recent article he wrote in support of a story attacking modern agriculture.

Will wrote an article in the July 18, 2005 issue of Newsweek titled “What We Owe What We Eat.” In it, he promotes an article that appeared in the May 23, 2005 issue of The American Conservative that denigrates farming and directs readers to a Web site created by former Animal Liberation Front “spokes-group” Farm Sanctuary.

The Alliance responded that modern agricultural facilities are designed to minimize stress on animals and maximize their overall comfort, well-being and productivity.

The Alliance pointed out that every major species group has now adopted animal welfare guidelines developed by leading veterinarians, animal scientists, researchers and Extension agents.