The Hen Report: “Is There Anything Left To Say?” | Octopus Farm Canceled, Brazil Bans Foie Gras & More Animal Rights News

This week, Jasmin and Mariann dig into a wave of encouraging news for the plant-based movement alongside a sobering look at threats to wildlife protections. They cover new data showing plant-based sales climbing across Europe as prices and taste improve, the FDA’s struggle to define “ultra-processed foods” (and its decision not to ban them), a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s rollback of Endangered Species Act protections, and the surprisingly bipartisan momentum behind banning gestation crates. They also explore whether “nudge theory” is really enough to drive lasting dietary change, how Denmark’s landmark pig-farming reforms could offer lessons for U.S. advocacy, and a win for ethical vegans’ legal rights in Europe.

• Plant-based sales are rising across Europe as price gaps close and product taste and affordability improve, according to Good Food Institute data
• The FDA says defining “ultra-processed foods” is “challenging” and won’t be banning them, easing fears about a broad crackdown on plant-based products
• Environmental groups are suing to block a Trump administration rule change that weakens Endangered Species Act habitat protections
• The fight over pig gestation crates is uniting voices across the political spectrum, from conservative commentators to progressive lawmakers
• Denmark’s push to reform its massive pig farming industry offers a case study in using animal-welfare messaging to move public opinion

RESOURCES

• • • • • World’s First Commercial Octopus Farm Plans Scrapped Following Opposition
        • How many adult vegans and vegetarians are in the U.S.? The Vegetarian Resource Group asks in a 2026 survey conducted by the Harris Poll
        • Brazil’s Lula signs into law foie gras ban, angering France
        • California’s New State Budget To Support Dairy-Free Milk And Plant Foods In Schools
        • Argentina Court Rules That Fish Have Rights—and PETA Takes the Message to Times Square
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Join hostesses Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan on this unique and fun award-winning podcast that focuses on changing the world for animals.

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