Pig Welfare Alternative Protein Implications

The growth of alternative protein industries including plant-based and cultivated meat has implications for pig welfare in transition scenarios.

Key Facts

Plant-based protein food products have grown significantly reducing demand for some animal proteins
Cultivated meat technology, if scaled commercially, could reduce conventional pig production
Transition scenarios require welfare management of reduced production systems including remaining pigs
Farmers transitioning from pig production need support including welfare management during wind-down
Alternative protein growth may create opportunities for remaining pig production to move to higher welfare

Welfare Considerations

Alternative protein growth creates a complex welfare transition scenario where reduced demand could drive either improved welfare in remaining production or welfare neglect in declining operations. Proactive welfare policy during transition is essential.

What You Can Do

Support policies ensuring welfare standards are maintained during agricultural system transitions
Engage with alternative protein companies about the welfare implications of their market growth
Advocate for transition support for farmers shifting from conventional pig production