Welfare Science

Precision Fermentation and Animal Welfare Impact

Precision fermentation produces animal-identical proteins without animals, offering a potential route to dramatically reducing farmed animal numbers.

Key Facts

Precision fermentation uses microorganisms to produce proteins including casein, whey, and egg white
Several companies have received regulatory approval for fermentation-derived animal proteins
Cost parity with conventional animal proteins is projected within this decade
Adoption requires consumer acceptance and regulatory frameworks supporting novel foods

Welfare Considerations

If adopted at scale, precision fermentation could eliminate the suffering of billions of farmed animals currently used for protein production. The welfare impact potential rivals that of any other emerging food technology.

What You Can Do

Support regulatory approval processes for precision fermentation products
Try and promote fermentation-derived protein products where available
Advocate for public investment in alternative protein research and commercialisation