Farm Lobby’s Covert Collaboration with FBI Targets Animal Rights Activists as 'Bioterrorists'

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A recent investigation by WIRED has revealed that the Animal Agriculture Alliance (AAA), a key trade group for the U.S. agricultural sector, has conducted extensive surveillance on animal rights activists, working with the FBI to portray them as a “bioterrorism” threat. According to records obtained by the nonprofit Property of the People, the AAA has been providing intelligence to federal agents about organizations like Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) since at least 2018. This collaboration reportedly involves infiltrating activist meetings and gathering evidence to label their actions as extremist and dangerous.

Zoe Rosenberg, an animal rights investigator with DxE, highlighted the troubling relationship between law enforcement and private industry, emphasizing that investigators focused on animal cruelty should have priority in discussions with authorities. The FBI's involvement has included issuing intelligence memos about activists, but several law enforcement agencies, such as the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, have disputed claims that activists pose significant biosecurity risks.

The AAA has denied having a formal relationship with the FBI, stating that their communications are purely for maintaining a secure food system. Critics assert that this partnership risks civil liberties and public health by prioritizing industry interests over transparency and accountability in animal welfare.

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