Animal Welfare in the Supply Chain: Traceability

Supply chain traceability enables welfare claims to be verified from producer to consumer. The development of traceability systems is transforming welfare accountability in food production.

Key Facts

Blockchain-based supply chain traceability systems are being piloted for animal products in Australia, the EU, and the US
QR code label systems connecting consumers to farm welfare records have been commercially deployed in several countries
Third-party supply chain auditing has been strengthened by technology that enables more frequent and comprehensive monitoring
Consumer willingness to pay for traceable welfare claims is documented across multiple markets and product categories
Supply chain opacity has historically been exploited to mask welfare violations at production level

Welfare Considerations

Traceability technology is closing the accountability gap between consumer welfare expectations and actual welfare conditions at production level. When consumers can connect their purchase to specific farm welfare records through a QR code, the incentive for producers to maintain high welfare standards is direct and continuous rather than dependent on periodic audits. The deployment of traceability at scale requires investment in farm-level data infrastructure, but the welfare accountability benefits justify this investment.

What You Can Do

Support and use traceability systems when purchasing animal products
Advocate for mandatory supply chain welfare traceability in key animal product categories
Donate to organizations developing accessible welfare traceability platforms for consumers
Follow traceability technology developments and share accessible explainers with welfare audiences
Engage food companies about developing and deploying welfare traceability systems in their supply chains