I’m so happy to have Sonia Faruqi as my guest today. Sonia attended Dartmouth College, where she studied Economics, Government, and Public Policy. Upon graduating with several honors and recognitions, Sonia worked at an investment bank on Wall Street. Later, her volunteer vacation at a dairy farm turned into the beginning of a global expedition into the animal agriculture industry. An unconventional author with an original approach, Sonia stands primed to become one of the most important voices in food issues today. Sonia’s first book, Project Animal Farm, promises to entertain and enlighten readers, and to improve the lives of people and animals around the world. I really love Sonia’s book, because she takes you on a journey of exploration as she learns about how animals are raised in locations around the world. I am a huge advocate for getting to know more about where your food comes from—especially when it comes to the animals. So, I applaud Sonia’s courageous new book, and encourage you to read it.
What is one memory you have from visiting that first dairy farm where you volunteered?
I enjoyed my interactions with cows. They’re friendly, gentle giants who often liked licking my skin and chewing on my hair.
What sparked your interest in visiting global animal farms around the world?
I wanted to find solutions to the animal welfare problems I was seeing—and I found them. Solutions can be divided into two categories, production and consumption, relating to producers and consumers. The consumption solutions relate to eating and buying more thoughtfully and to reducing meat consumption. I propose eight producer solutions to improve animal agriculture: large-pastoral farms, natural breeds, gender diversity, internal commitments, meaningful inspections, decisive lawmaking, accurate marketing, and organic strengthening.
Were there any differences or similarities between the various animal farms?
Yes, both. Farms can be divided largely into two kinds: pastoral and industrial. Industrial means factory farms: animals are often confined indoors in extreme concentrations for the length of their lives. Egg-laying hens are confined to tiny cages and sows to crates. On pastoral farms, animals live natural lives outdoors. The differences between industrial and pastoral farms cannot be understated. The differences between farming in countries are significant, largely based on whether the country is classified as “developing” or “developed.” In Belize, for instance, farms tend to be small and pastoral.
Can you give a brief description of your food philosophy?
Animals should have good lives. Whether we have an omnivorous, vegetarian, or vegan lifestyle, the welfare of animals should interest us all. Moreover, the treatment of farm animals has a correlation on human health and the environment—as I found firsthand.
What is your favorite plant-based recipe?
Too many to count! But here’s a recipe for a favorite:
4 to 6 cups water (enough to cover all ingredients)
1/2 cup diced carrot
1/2 cup diced celery
2 cups diced sweet potato
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 to 2 tablespoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
In the coconut oil over medium heat, sauté onion for 2 minutes.
Add the garlic and sea salt, stir, and cook for one minute more.
Add the lentils, coconut milk, water, and remaining ingredients. Cover and bring to a boil.
Stir well, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 to 45 minutes more, until the lentils are cooked through and creamy. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
