About

New Roots Institute is a nonprofit empowering the next generation with knowledge and training to end factory farming.

Together, we can create a just and sustainable food system for all.

Factory farming has devastating impacts on humans, animals, and the planet.

At New Roots Institute (formerly known as Factory Farming Awareness Coalition), we are strengthening the collective movement to end factory farming by empowering the next generation with knowledge and training to do just that.

330,000+

Students Impacted

10,000+

High School & College Lessons

500+

Fellows Trained in Leadership

How we build capacity in the movement

Through interactive, high school and college lessons, we inspire critical thinking and dynamic discussions about the connections between industrial animal agriculture and current key issues impacting us all—like animal welfare, climate change and environmental sustainability, human rights, and personal and public health.

Through our Leadership Program, we offer fellowships for students motivated to dig deeper into the impacts, and solutions, of factory farming—while being trained in effective communication, advocacy, and leadership skills. Upon completing the fellowship, alumni go on—with our continued support—to develop and empower other leaders to create change in their communities toward our shared goal of ending factory farming.

View Our Strategic Plan
View Our Annual Reports: 2022 | 2023

Meet the New Roots Team

Meet the Board of Directors

View Board Meeting Minutes

Our History

2010: Our founder, Katie Cantrell, begins giving presentations on the impacts of farming to classes and groups at the University of California, Berkeley.

2013: Factory Farming Awareness Coalition (FFAC) shifted from being a fully volunteer-run organization to having its first paid employee. 

2014: We became fiscally sponsored by Vegan Outreach and started new hubs in Los Angeles and Denver. 

2018: We gained 501(c)3 status and launched the first version of the leadership development program.

2019: We piloted the first version of our Leadership Program to give the most motivated students the opportunity to learn more and further their skills.

2023: FFAC rebranded as New Roots Institute, a name that better fits the organization's work and will enable us to reach, engage, and empower as many people as possible.