About us

Our Story

Compassion in World Farming was founded over 50 years ago by a dairy farmer (Peter Roberts) who became horrified by the ongoing intensification of farming. Today, we campaign to end all factory farming practices. We have over one million supporters, as well as representation in eleven European countries, the US, China and South Africa.

Factory Farming

Our current food system exploits animals mercilessly, often keeping them in intensive confinement and treating them merely as commodities. It contributes to about a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change (IPCC 2021). It is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss. It threatens our health and the health and livelihoods of farm workers and local residents. That is why we campaign for farming systems that are safer, fairer, and greener.

Compassion in World Farming EU

Compassion in World Farming EU is based in Brussels and campaigns to strengthen legislation and enforcement on farm animal welfare, with a particular focus on Europe. Our advocacy work targets the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and other key players in Brussels.

Our Global Work

• We campaign for an end to factory farming worldwide.
• We expose cruelties through award-winning investigations.
• We engage with food businesses, with an overall impact for over 1.7 billion farm animals every year.
• We conduct rigorous research and produce educational resources.

Our Funding

During the financial year 2017-2018, two out of three euros we received came from grants, major gifts and legacies.

Transparency Register

Since 2011, we have been registered in the EU's Transparency Register: number 26535516539-45.