The Just Transition From Industrial Animal Production To Equitable, Humane And Sustainable Food Systems

Generated Summary

This white paper, created by a coalition of organizations, advocates for a just transition away from industrial animal agriculture. It emphasizes the detrimental impacts of the current system, including industrial fishing and aquaculture, highlighting its inequity, inefficiency, and environmental unsustainability. The document explores the need to shift towards a system based on agroecology, promoting equitable, humane, and sustainable protein production. The research methodology involves extensive consultation with impacted groups, aiming to address inequality, end exploitation, and achieve food sovereignty. The paper outlines strategies for reducing reliance on industrial animal protein by transitioning to plant-rich diets and supporting agroecological practices. The scope includes impacts on livelihoods, human and labor rights, food security, climate, biodiversity, and public health, offering a roadmap for policymakers.

Key Findings & Statistics

• The global availability of protein from poultry, pigs, cattle, and sheep is projected to increase by 14%, 17%, 9%, and 15% respectively by 2032.
• Global fish production (capture and aquaculture) is expected to grow from 181 Metric tons (2021–22 average) to 202 Metric tons by 2032, an increase of 12%.
• Industrial animal agriculture is responsible for 83% of all agricultural land.
• Global food system emissions alone endanger the 1.5°C target, and according to experts, global emissions from animal production must decline by 50% by 2030 to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement.
• 36% of cereals and 77% of soya are currently fed to farmed animals rather than directly nourishing people.
• Primary crop production has increased by 52% (to 9.3 billion metric tons) since 2000, and meat production has risen by 45% (to 337 million metric tons).
• For every 100 grams of protein in human-edible cereals fed to livestock, just 43 grams of protein enter the human food chain as meat or dairy milk and only 17 to 30 calories out of 100 can be used for energy.
• Estimates for the contribution animal agriculture makes to global GHG emissions range from 11.2% to 19.6%.
• Industrial animal agriculture causes 32% of global anthropogenic methane emissions, more than natural gas, oil or coal production.
• Just 15 dairy and meat companies produce a staggering quantity of emissions, amounting to approximately 734 million tons of CO2 equivalent.
• 73% of global antibiotic use is linked to industrial animal agriculture.
• 1.27 million human deaths per year already linked to AMR, potentially rising to 10 million by 2050.
• Global switch to diets within planetary and social boundaries could save 5.1 million lives and reduce healthcare costs by at least $735 billion US per year by 2050.

Other Important Findings

• The paper emphasizes the importance of shifting towards diets within planetary and social boundaries, promoting diets rich in plant-based foods and reducing meat and dairy consumption.
• The paper calls for the strengthening of food system governance to challenge the dominance of multinational corporations, and the implementation of policies that foster transparency and accountability.
• It highlights the need to promote agroecological practices, ensuring food sovereignty and dignified livelihoods for all.
• The role of trade agreements is examined, advocating for policies that prioritize domestic production, support local food systems, and disincentivize multinational corporations.
• The role of public and private finance is scrutinized, with calls to exclude industrial livestock and animal feed operations from investments and to prevent private investments from undermining food sovereignty.
• It recognizes the role of culturally-appropriate meat consumption, particularly in Indigenous and traditional systems.
• The paper emphasizes the need for strong worker protections, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to collective bargaining, alongside a recognition of the role of Indigenous peoples, women, and people of color.
• The paper emphasizes the need for establishing national and regional councils to influence policy, and the need to promote policies that prioritize domestic production, support local food systems, and disincentivize multinational corporations.
• It addresses the importance of public education and promoting agroecology.

Limitations Noted in the Document

• The paper acknowledges that the contents may not fully represent each organization’s unique viewpoints and priorities, reflecting the outcomes of a consultation process.
• The definition of ‘regenerative agriculture’ is contested, and the document clarifies its preference for agroecological practices.
• The use of alternative proteins is considered as a potential tool only if certain conditions for equity and justice are met.
• The definition of ‘Global South/Global North’ is for the purpose of the paper.
• The roadmap’s specific policy recommendations will vary in priority, relevance, and applicability depending on local and regional contexts, including current legislation, cultural sensitivities, and the levels of consumption.
• The discussion of the industry’s environmental impact is based on current knowledge and data which are constantly evolving.
• The paper does not provide a comprehensive analysis of all issues related to food systems.

Conclusion

This white paper provides a comprehensive framework for transitioning away from industrial animal production towards a more sustainable and equitable food system. The transition requires urgent action to address the detrimental impacts of the current system on people, the environment, and animals. The key to achieving this transition lies in strengthening food system governance, promoting agroecological practices, and shifting towards diets within planetary and social boundaries. The paper calls for comprehensive policy changes to hold corporations accountable, protect worker rights, and ensure food sovereignty. The adoption of agroecological principles is essential for improving animal welfare standards, promoting human health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The transition also necessitates financial justice, including redirecting subsidies and investments away from harmful practices and towards support for smallholders, agroecological practices, and plant-based agriculture. The paper stresses the need for policy coherence, the importance of community-driven solutions, and the inclusion of marginalized groups in decision-making processes. It underscores the significance of public education and engagement in promoting agroecological practices and healthy diets. The recommendations within this white paper outline a global framework to guide the development of context-specific roadmaps and emphasizes the urgency of transforming the global food system. “It is time to create an equitable, humane and sustainable food system that will secure a future for generations to come.”