Animal Welfare and Global Food Security

Improving animal welfare and improving global food security are more compatible than often assumed.

Key Facts

Over 30% of global crop production goes to feeding livestock
Plant-based protein is 10x more land-efficient than animal protein
Reducing animal farming would free land for food crops and ecosystem restoration
Improving livestock welfare often improves productivity through better animal health

Welfare Considerations

The framing of animal welfare versus food security is a false dichotomy. The global livestock system is extraordinarily inefficient at converting plant calories to animal calories — most crop production feeds animals, not humans. Redirecting a fraction of that grain to direct human consumption would dramatically improve food security. Simultaneously, improving welfare conditions in livestock farming often reduces disease and mortality, improving productivity. The two goals conflict only at the margins, and long-term global food security requires addressing the environmental costs of intensive livestock production.

What You Can Do

Reduce animal product consumption to lower the global crop demand from livestock
Support sustainable food system research that addresses both welfare and food security
Advocate for policies that account for the full costs of intensive animal agriculture
Support development of affordable, accessible plant-based proteins globally