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Journal article

A just transition in animal agriculture is necessary for more effective and equitable One Health outcomes

Experts argue for a just and inclusive transition away from animal agriculture to support environmental and public health using five principles governments can follow.

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Citation

Verkuijl, C., Strambo, C., Hocquet, R., Butterfield, R., Achakulwisut, P., Boyland, M., Vega Araújo, J., Bakhtaoui, I., Smit, J., Bastos Lima, M., & Green, J. (2023). A just transition in animal agriculture is necessary for more effective and equitable One Health outcomes. CABI One Health, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1079/cabionehealth.2023.0021

The world’s growing appetite for meat and other animal products presents threats to human health and the environment in addition to its impact on animal health and welfare.

To address these concerns, SEI experts in a new CABI One Health article argue for a managed transition away from industrial animal production that addresses the negative consequences of animal agriculture while also protecting communities that rely on the industry and affected animals. Following the author’s recommendations, governments can equally balance the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

The article details the following principles for a just transition in animal agriculture:

  • Phase down existing policies, programmes and fiscal support that promote industrial meat production and consumption
  • Increase support for alternatives to industrially produced meat, and ensure they safeguard social equity, human health and animal welfare
  • Ensure inclusive and participatory planning processes
  • Provide support to stakeholders to help offset the impacts of a transition
  • Address the root causes of injustices in the meat sector
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Open access

SEI authors

Cleo Verkuijl
Cleo Verkuijl

Scientist

SEI US

Claudia Strambo
Claudia Strambo

Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters

Ruth Butterfield
Ruth Butterfield

Centre Director and Senior Research Fellow

SEI Oxford

José Vega Araújo

Research Associate

SEI Latin America

Mairon G. Bastos Lima
Mairon G. Bastos Lima

Senior Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters

Jonathan Green

Senior Researcher

SEI York

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