Animal Agriculture Reform and Welfare

Systemic reform of animal agriculture is necessary to achieve meaningful welfare improvements at scale.

Key Facts

Approximately 80 billion land animals are raised and killed in food systems annually
75% of global agricultural land is used for animal farming producing 18% of calories
The EU Farm to Fork strategy includes animal welfare as a central pillar
Consumer surveys consistently show support for mandatory welfare standards over voluntary schemes
Corporate welfare pledges from food companies influence far more animals than individual consumer choices

Welfare Considerations

Individual consumer choices matter but systemic reform is necessary to achieve welfare improvements at the scale the problem demands. Regulatory minimum standards, mandatory welfare reporting, and market incentives aligned with welfare outcomes are more powerful than voluntary schemes alone. Corporate pledges from major food companies — requiring cage-free eggs, slower-growing chicken breeds, or better slaughter practices — affect billions of animals. Engaging with policy and corporate advocacy alongside personal choices maximises welfare impact.

What You Can Do

Engage with political processes to advocate for mandatory animal welfare legislation
Support welfare organizations engaging with food company corporate campaigns
Sign petitions and respond to government consultations on animal welfare reform
Learn about the policy landscape for animal welfare in your country
Combine personal consumer choices with advocacy for systemic change