Policy

Impact Investment and Animal Welfare

Impact investors and financial institutions are increasingly recognising animal welfare as a material ESG consideration.

Key Facts

Leading ESG rating agencies now include animal welfare metrics in their assessments
Some pension funds and institutional investors are divesting from companies with poor animal welfare records
The FAIRR Initiative works with investors to engage food companies on factory farming risks
Consumer brands with poor welfare records face growing regulatory and reputational risk
Demand for animal-welfare-linked financial products is growing among retail and institutional investors

Welfare Considerations

Financial markets are increasingly recognising that animal welfare is not merely a regulatory or ethical issue but a material business risk. Companies dependent on factory farming face growing regulatory pressure, consumer backlash, and supply chain instability. Impact investors who integrate animal welfare into ESG analysis can drive systemic change through capital allocation.

What You Can Do

Review your pension or investment portfolio for exposure to factory farming companies
Support fund managers that engage companies on animal welfare ESG issues
Advocate for animal welfare inclusion in ESG rating frameworks
Share information about FAIRR and other investor animal welfare initiatives
Engage with your bank or pension provider about their animal welfare investment policies