Transitioning Away from Industrial Animal Agriculture

Systemic transition away from intensive animal agriculture is gaining traction as a welfare, environmental, and public health strategy, with diverse stakeholders developing transition frameworks.

Key Facts

Industrial animal agriculture accounts for over 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Over 70 billion land animals are farmed globally each year, the majority in intensive systems
Plant-based and fermentation-derived proteins are growing rapidly as alternatives
Just transition frameworks propose retraining, economic support, and alternative livelihoods for farming communities

Welfare Considerations

Transition away from industrial animal agriculture addresses animal welfare at its structural roots: the systems and economic incentives that make intensive production the default. Transition frameworks that acknowledge the economic dependence of farming communities on current systems, and provide genuine alternatives, are more likely to succeed than purely regulatory approaches. The goal is a food system that provides adequate nutrition for all humans without requiring the chronic suffering of billions of sentient animals.

What You Can Do

Reduce personal consumption of factory-farmed animal products
Support organisations developing transition pathways for farming communities
Advocate for public investment in alternative protein development and agricultural transition
Engage constructively with farming communities about transition challenges and opportunities