Welfare Science

Sustainable Food Transition and Animal Welfare

Transitioning to more sustainable food systems has profound implications for animal welfare, requiring careful analysis of trade-offs and synergies.

Key Facts

Reducing meat consumption generally reduces animal numbers experiencing poor welfare
Regenerative agriculture can support higher welfare for fewer animals
Plant-based diets reduce but do not eliminate indirect animal welfare harms
Food system transformation must consider livelihood impacts on farmers and communities
Consumer behaviour change is necessary but insufficient without systemic policy change

Welfare Considerations

The transition to sustainable food systems offers significant animal welfare benefits but requires deliberate design to avoid creating new welfare problems. A welfare-first lens should inform food system policy.

What You Can Do

Reduce consumption of factory-farmed animal products
Increase plant-based foods and higher-welfare animal products
Support food system transformation policies that explicitly address animal welfare
Engage with sustainable food charities and think tanks
Advocate for welfare standards to be embedded in future food system design