Anti-Animal Ag Media Criticizes UC Davis Researchers, Dr. Mitloehner Tells All

After two recent articles with an anti-animal ag agenda, orchestrated by the New York Times and Unearthed by Greenpeace, Dr. Mitloehner, professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension in the Department of Animal Science at University of California at Davis, along with his team at the Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR) Center were brought under fire for what the media sources feel is unacceptable—private funding for research.

“The critics I have don’t question my science, because they can’t. Instead, they come after me personally,” says Dr. Frank Mitloehner, recently on Agritalk.

“Some of my research is funded by state and federal agencies, specifically research that’s quantifying emissions. But I also am funded by the agricultural industry, by farming and ranching, particularly on those issues that involve mitigation and finding ways to reduce emissions. The industries want to reduce their emissions, so I work with industries,” Mitloehner explains.

Mitloehner further shares how animal agriculture is “under the gun” to reduce its environmental impact, so it only makes sense that the private sector or production-focused businesses would support his research aiming to find solutions in sustainability.

When the two media outlets released their criticism on Mitloehner and the UC Davis CLEAR Center, Mitloehner took to social media and the online space to further explain his “why” behind his work:

Mitloehner’s thorough response has likely backed the New York Times and Unearthed authors into a corner, says Chip Flory, host of Agritalk. Mitloehner notes, “I’m a scientist. To me, it’s all about the science, and I will continue to do my science. I do my work and I do it as good as I can.”

Mitloehner also highlights gratitude towards farmers and ranchers for their work in feeding the world. He adds,” While people are taking shots at us, we’re pleased to be doing the work and conducting the research to reduce emissions and increase the food supply we need to sustain an exploding global population.”

Neither media outlet personally reached out to Mitloehner to provide comment for their articles, he says. Therefore, he adds in his response, “Come and visit us. See the lab. Meet our students and colleagues. Talk to the farmers and try to understand – as we do – how committed they are to the important role they play in simultaneously feeding the world and safeguarding our planet.”