Precision fermentation produces animal proteins using microorganisms instead of animals. This technology could eliminate some of the largest sources of farm animal suffering.
Precision fermentation represents one of the most promising technological routes to eliminating animal welfare harms from food production. By using microorganisms to produce proteins functionally identical to those from animals — dairy proteins, egg proteins, and eventually meat proteins — the process completely decouples food production from farm animal use. A single fermentation vat can produce proteins equivalent to those from thousands of cows, without any animal welfare compromise. The technology is progressing rapidly: products are already commercially available, costs are declining, and regulatory approval is expanding. From an animal welfare perspective, supporting the development and adoption of precision fermentation products is one of the most impactful technology investments available.