Farm Animals

Animal Welfare and Food Security

Improving farm animal welfare is sometimes framed as conflicting with food security goals, but evidence suggests this tension is largely overstated.

Key Facts

Higher welfare systems often produce lower volumes but sometimes higher value products
Reducing meat consumption in high-income countries could free resources for more efficient food production
Animal welfare improvements are often associated with better disease prevention reducing production losses
The relationship between welfare and productivity is complex and system-dependent

Welfare Considerations

The framing of animal welfare versus food security is often overstated. Many welfare improvements reduce disease and production losses that offset welfare improvement costs. Simultaneously, the high meat consumption in wealthy countries represents a significant opportunity to improve global food security by reducing inefficient grain feeding to animals while improving welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Reduce meat consumption in line with dietary guidelines rather than assuming maximal production is needed
Support welfare improvements that also improve disease prevention and production efficiency
Advocate for food policy that addresses both welfare and sustainability simultaneously
Support research into production systems that achieve both welfare and food security goals