Welfare Science

Agricultural Subsidies and Animal Welfare Reform

Agricultural subsidies in many countries support intensive animal production without welfare requirements, with subsidy reform being a major lever for systematic welfare improvement.

Key Facts

EU Common Agricultural Policy historically paid based on production volume without welfare requirements
UK Environmental Land Management schemes link payments to environmental and welfare outcomes
US Farm Bill includes some welfare provisions but is dominated by production support
Redirecting agricultural subsidies towards welfare and environmental outcomes would transform welfare
Welfare advocacy organisations increasingly target subsidy policy as a systemic lever

Welfare Considerations

Agricultural subsidy reform is one of the highest-leverage policy interventions for farm animal welfare. Linking public payments to welfare outcomes rather than production volume would transform incentives for farmers. This requires political will and sustained advocacy to achieve.

What You Can Do

Support policy organisations advocating for agricultural subsidy reform to include welfare
Engage with elected representatives on agricultural policy and welfare requirements
Advocate for public money to be linked to public goods including animal welfare