Article: foie gras

I've had a different experience with foie gras. A few years ago, I decided to visit a foie gras farm, unannounced, to see for myself what the process was like. I was prepared for the worst, but pleasantly surprised by what I found. I received an impromptu tour of the entire facility, where I saw ducks living in uncrowded green pastures, just as well-cared-for sheep, cows, or goats might. And yes, I did indeed see ducks waddling right up to their caretaker to be fed. I was also shown where the animals spent their, well, last moments, and the entire process was explained. I went away from the experience realizing that these animals truly had only the proverbial "one bad day," and even that bad day was made as humane for the animals as it could be.
Now, that said, I don't disagree that there are likely many other farms that aren't nearly so caring of the animals. ANY such place, where animals are confined to ridiculously small spaces, living in utterly indefensible conditions, should be scorned by us all. Unfortunately, that includes not only poorly-run foie gras farms, but way too many of our current, huge, inhumane, animal-rearing facilities, as well.
Hopefully, in the future we will all become more comfortable, and have more opportunities, to see first-hand how all of our food is produced. That is the best way for us to make healthier choices not only for the animals but for ourselves and the planet, too.
Thanks so much for expressing your heartfelt opinion on this. While we may never agree on foie gras, there is probably much else - factory farms, dare I say?! - on which we will be on the same page.
Warm best,
Charles