The relationship between animal welfare improvement and global food security is complex, with evidence that welfare improvements are compatible with sustainable food production.
The food security argument against animal welfare improvement — that welfare standards reduce food production — is not well-supported by evidence. Well-managed welfare improvements typically align with production efficiency: healthy animals produce more, injured animals cost more to treat, and stressed animals have lower growth rates. The systemic conflict between welfare and food security arises from economic pressure rather than biological necessity. Addressing over-consumption in high-income countries, improving feed efficiency through species selection, and supporting the welfare and viability of small-scale producers globally represent approaches that advance both welfare and food security.