Geese are farmed for meat, eggs, down feathers, and the controversial foie gras delicacy. Their welfare needs are significantly undermet in conventional production, and foie gras production involves welfare harm that has prompted bans in many jurisdictions.
Goose welfare in farming is shaped by the mismatch between their nature as large, intelligent, social waterfowl and the conditions of both intensive and foie gras production. The deprivation of water access for swimming and bathing is a severe welfare compromise for a species whose feather maintenance, thermoregulation, and behavioral repertoire depend on water immersion. Foie gras force-feeding represents a more acute welfare harm — the gavage process causes physical injury to the esophagus, severe liver pathology, and difficulty breathing as the enlarged liver compresses the air sacs. Consumer and legislative pressure has largely eliminated foie gras from mainstream markets in countries where it is banned, but enforcement of bans on imports is inconsistent. Supporting the complete phase-out of foie gras production and improving standards for conventional goose farming are both meaningful welfare interventions.