Agriculture at a crossroads

Peter Stevenson, our Chief Policy Advisor, gave the keynote speech, Agriculture at a Crossroads: Which path do we take – industrial or sustainable? Expanding on our recent report, Food Not Feed, Peter challenged the myth that factory farming is the solution to feeding the world.

Instead, he called for a shift towards sustainable food production and regenerative agriculture – farming that works with nature, supporting and harnessing natural processes.

Our aim shouldn’t be to minimise the negative consequences of industrial farming, but to be a positive force. We can produce food, and at the same time build soil quality, enhance biodiversity, conserve water and store carbon.

He shared some inspiring examples of African sustainable food production including Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania, Organic Farm Kenya and the Boschveld chicken.

Factory farming and the climate

Dr Christopher Browne, our Global Head of Research and Policy, highlighted how the worsening climate crisis is already devastating communities across Africa. From prolonged droughts in Kenya and Ethiopia to recurring floods in Niger and Mali, the impacts of these crises are far reaching, affecting animals, people and the environment.

He spoke about the immediate and obvious animal welfare issues including increases in livestock deaths, dehydration and starvation, and the subsequent significant impacts on livelihoods, food security, displacements and loss of income.

Yet there is hope. Chris shared inspiring examples of agroecological farming, which restores soil health, cuts emissions, and builds resilience for both people and animals.

Dr Christopher Browne said:

We cannot tackle the climate crisis without transforming how we produce food. We must put animal welfare and ecosystem health at the centre of the fight.

Leading the call for global change

Attending vital international conferences like the Kenya One Health Conference, we are helping to shape a future where animals are treated with compassion, ecosystems are restored, and communities can thrive.

We can build a food system that works for animals, people, and the planet – wherever we live in the world.

Join us in calling for policymakers to build a food system that feeds people, and protects animals and our planet.  

Sign our open letter to national governments, urging them to prioritise the production of food for people, not animal feed to fuel factory farms.

Taking the stage at Kenya One Health Conference