SRAP is pleased to welcome two new employees: Elisabeth Holmes, senior counsel, and Michael Payan, regional representative.

Elisabeth (“Eli”) Holmes has practiced environmental, public health, and civil litigation for 20 years.

She is familiar with federal, state, and local legal issues facing communities on the front lines of the factory farm fight, and has represented communities across the U.S. in landmark pollution, human health, and animal welfare enforcement cases, including through federal court trials and appeals.

Eli is excited to help SRAP support communities upholding their rights to transparency, public participation, and enforcement of environmental and public health laws.

“SRAP is uniquely positioned to help communities across the U.S. defend themselves from the damages caused by industrial animal agriculture. I’m eager for this opportunity to work directly with rural communities to support their efforts to protect sustainable farming, food security, public health, and natural resources.”

Michael’s idyllic rural childhood in southern Pennsylvania changed dramatically when industrial agriculture set up shop in his rural township. After years of lax enforcement and declining health, his family fled their home and moved to Delaware.

Michael graduated from the University of Delaware and is thrilled to pursue his passion lifting up and standing beside those whose voice and political power have been suppressed.

Michael’s multicultural heritage drives his passion of creating a just food system for everyone and a healthy environment for future generations.

“Systemic problems in our food system have plagued the rural town where I grew up, as well as many others across our nation with health complications, starved economies, and environmental degradation. I’m thrilled to have the chance to work directly with impacted communities and stand beside families fighting for their environment, health, and a more just food system.”

SRAP informs and educates the general public about the negative effects of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)—also known as factory farms—while working directly with U.S. communities impacted by this destructive form of industrial animal agriculture. Through public education, issue advocacy, and local community organizing, SRAP empowers rural residents to protect their public health, environmental quality, natural resources and local economies from the damaging impacts of factory farms. For more information on SRAP, visit www.sraproject.org.