Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Animal Welfare and Supply Chain Responsibility

Corporate supply chain responsibility for farm animal welfare is increasing, with major food companies setting and monitoring welfare commitments across their procurement.

Key Facts

The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare scores major food companies on welfare policy
Corporate welfare commitments include cage-free, Better Chicken Commitment and gestation crate phase-outs
Supply chain audit systems vary widely in rigour from self-reporting to third-party verification
Smaller suppliers in complex supply chains often receive less welfare scrutiny than primary producers
Consumer pressure and investor concern are primary drivers of corporate welfare commitment

Welfare Considerations

Corporate supply chain welfare commitments represent a significant driver of farm animal welfare improvement beyond regulatory minimums. The credibility of commitments depends on verification systems and transparency. Consumer and investor pressure that rewards verified delivery of commitments over greenwashing maximises welfare impact.

What You Can Do

Use Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare scores when choosing food companies
Engage with food company investor relations about welfare commitment delivery
Support organisations that monitor corporate welfare commitments and highlight non-delivery