Transparency in animal farming — through labelling, auditing, and open data — is essential for consumer choice and driving welfare improvement.
Consumers cannot make informed choices without accurate production method labelling. Self-reported welfare data from producers is subject to conflicts of interest. Third-party auditing provides greater assurance but varies in rigour and frequency. Hidden investigations have revealed systematic failures in self-certified supply chains. Public reporting of welfare outcomes — mortality rates, lameness scores, antibiotic use — would create accountability and incentivise improvement.