Welfare Science

Animal Welfare and Food System Transformation

Transforming food systems toward plant-rich diets reduces animal suffering at scale. Understanding the welfare implications of food system transitions informs strategic advocacy.

Key Facts

A 50% reduction in meat consumption in wealthy countries would substantially reduce animal suffering
Protein diversification toward legumes, fungi and plant-based alternatives reduces welfare burden
Cultivated meat and precision fermentation could eliminate much farm animal suffering at scale
Food system transformation requires policy, infrastructure and behaviour change working together

Welfare Considerations

The food system transition toward plant-rich diets offers the largest single welfare improvement opportunity. Supporting policy environments, infrastructure and consumer shifts toward plant-based proteins directly reduces animal suffering at population scale.

What You Can Do

Reduce personal consumption of animal products progressively
Support public food procurement policies favouring plant-rich menus
Advocate for food system transition policies in agricultural and health policy