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A commission formed by John Hopkins University and funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts will spend two years studying the impact of "industrial" livestock farms.

The National Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production was formed "to conduct a comprehensive, fact-based and balanced examination of key aspects of the farm animal industry," according to the group's Web site.

David White, OFBF senior director of policy research and development, doubts that will happen. He said a majority of those on the 18-member commission are involved with causes that oppose conventional agriculture or support organic production. He noted the commission will only issue a majority report.

"They want to put modern animal agriculture on the defensive," he said.

Johns Hopkins University is closely tied to the movement against conventional agriculture. The school's Center for a Livable Future collaborates with advocacy groups that oppose so-called factory farms. The center's Web site promotes "The Meatrix" movies, which depict farm animals being raised in deplorable conditions.

While the university will be represented on the commission, the panel will operate independently, according to its chairman.

"I can assure you this isn’t a stacked deck" against other views about animal agriculture, said John Carlin, a former Kansas governor who will lead the review.

However, two members of the panel, including the co-chairman, represent the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, which supports "the replacement of animal factories." Two of the three farmers on the commission promote organic or free-range production methods.

Actress and animal rights advocate Daryl Hannah and Deidre Imus, wife of talk show host Don Imus, are included in the group. Imus has authored a vegetarian cookbook and supports a vegan lifestyle.

According to the Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), other commission members include a "cage-free" egg marketer, an animal rights author and an organic meat consultant.

"The only thing missing is PETA," said David Martosko, CCF’s director of research.

White said it's likely the commission's report will lack credibility.

"I think this is going to be good fodder for the media, and I think it’s going to result in some very emotionally charged debates," he said. "Other than that, what's it going to be good for?"

Caption: Actress, vegetarian and social activist Daryl Hannah is on the commission that will study livestock production. Photo courtesy PR Newswire/HSUS