Precision fermentation technology enables production of animal proteins without animal rearing, with profound potential welfare implications as it scales.
Precision fermentation represents one of the most promising technologies for reducing animal welfare harm at scale. By producing animal-identical proteins without animal farming, it offers the possibility of dramatically reducing the number of animals suffering in food production systems. Unlike conventional animal farming - which involves billions of animals experiencing varying degrees of chronic and acute suffering - precision fermentation entirely eliminates the welfare costs of the animals whose products it replaces. The welfare benefit per unit of protein produced is potentially enormous, making this technology deserving of animal welfare advocates' active support alongside its environmental benefits.