Farm Animal Welfare Future Outlook

The future of farm animal welfare depends on choices made by consumers, companies, governments, and researchers in the coming decade.

Key Facts

Dietary shifts toward plant-based foods are beginning to reduce livestock numbers in high-income countries
Cultivated meat technology is approaching commercialization with potential to transform production
AI welfare monitoring could make continuous individual-level welfare assessment standard
Political will for stronger welfare legislation is growing in some regions but retreating in others
The billions of animals in global food production represent the largest welfare challenge of our time

Welfare Considerations

The future of farm animal welfare is not predetermined - it will be shaped by choices made by millions of people in different roles. The tools for improvement exist; the challenge is will, coordination, and sustained commitment.

What You Can Do

Make dietary and purchasing choices that reduce demand for intensive animal production
Support organizations working on systemic change in animal agriculture
Engage with the political process on farm animal welfare legislation and subsidy reform