The Future of Farm Animal Welfare: Emerging Challenges

The next decade of farm animal welfare faces new challenges from climate change, cellular agriculture and shifting consumer preferences.

Key Facts

Climate change is increasing heat stress events affecting livestock welfare globally
Cultivated meat technology could eliminate slaughter welfare concerns if adopted at scale
Insect protein is expanding as a feed ingredient raising new welfare questions
Precision fermentation may reduce demand for animal products significantly in some markets
Welfare science is advancing faster than regulatory and industry adoption of new knowledge

Welfare Considerations

Future farm animal welfare will be shaped by forces beyond the current welfare movement's primary focus. Climate change is creating heat, drought and disease challenges that welfare systems were not designed to address. Alternative protein technologies may transform the animal agriculture sector in ways that eliminate some welfare problems while creating others. The continued gap between welfare science and farm practice means the most significant welfare improvements available are already known and achievable with existing tools. Maintaining momentum on current priorities while anticipating emerging challenges requires adaptable welfare institutions and sustained public and political support.

What You Can Do

Support climate adaptation planning in livestock welfare standards
Engage with emerging alternative protein technologies from a welfare perspective
Advocate for faster adoption of existing welfare science into regulation and certification
Support organisations working on the long-term future of animal welfare policy