Veganic Farming and Animal-Free Agriculture

Veganic farming aims to produce food without animal inputs including manure and bone meal, using plant-based fertility systems that reduce harm to animals across the entire agricultural system.

Key Facts

Veganic farming uses green manures, composting and nitrogen-fixing plants rather than animal manure for fertility
The Vegan Organic Network supports veganic farmers in the UK and promotes plant-based agricultural systems
Conventional organic farming relies heavily on animal manure and slaughterhouse by-products for fertility, creating hidden animal welfare links
Some veganic farms achieve yields comparable to conventional organic farms in established systems
Veganic certification is available through the Vegan Organic Network for farms meeting their standards

Welfare Considerations

Veganic farming represents an attempt to minimise animal harm throughout the agricultural system, including the hidden welfare impacts of organic farming systems that use animal manure and slaughterhouse by-products. While conventional veganism focuses on direct consumption, veganic farming extends welfare consideration to the inputs used in food production. The welfare implications of veganic versus conventional organic farming are genuinely complex — organic manure-based systems support soil biodiversity while veganic systems eliminate the need for animal slaughter by-products. The welfare calculus depends on how one weighs different types of harm to different species.

What You Can Do

Support Vegan Organic Network at www.veganorganic.net to learn about veganic farming
Look for veganic certified products if you want to minimise hidden animal inputs in your food
If gardening, explore veganic growing methods using plant-based fertility systems
Engage with the debate about whether veganic or organic farming has better overall welfare outcomes
Support research into the soil ecology and welfare implications of different farming fertility systems