NEAC

About Us

Brief History of NEAC

Concerned about the enviromental, financial and social damage caused by CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations), a small group of rural citizens scattered througout Nebraska pulled together as activists to form NEAC. Working to block the expansion of these factory operations in the state, NEAC activists confronted CAFO representatives at local zoning and permit hearings.

Forced out of one area by these efforts, CAFO developers quickly targeted other areas of the state, but just as quickly met opposition through the efforts of these activists sharing their knowledge and providing support to the citizens in those newly targeted areas. These efforts are consistent with Nebraska's long tradition of neighbors caring for and helping one another.

Soon this loose group of 'kitchen table' activists began meeting regularly, sharing information and lending ongoing support to one other. To counter the monetary and human resources at the disposal of CAFO developers, NEAC hired a few full time organizers whose roles were to centralize information and create a clearing house for those in need. During these regular meetings, activists and neighbors began to identify and discuss new issues that went well beyond the environmental, health, and economic damage caused by CAFOs.

• Family Farms

Family farmers were being forced out by CAFOs. Markets had declined and there was increased consolidation and vertical integration of the food chain into the hands of a very few, large corporate companies. Increased consolidation and concentration created higher energy and increased food transportation costs.

• Meat Processing Facilities

At the same time there were fewer and fewer small USDA inspected meat processing plants. These market and economic forces made it difficult, if not impossible for the remaining small family farmers to sell their animals directly to the public and harder for consumers to obtain these products.

• Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Activists who originally joined together to fight CAFOs determined that if citizens want to preserve Nebraska's natural resources, family farms, rural communities and support sustainable energy choices, there was a need to educate people and to take proactive steps to implement needed changes.

NEAC remains forcused on these areas of concern, continues to concentrate on giving citizens everywhere a voice and providing an opportunity to everyone to be part of positive changes that promote sound and sustainable environmental, financial and community practices.

---