As economies grow along with consumers’ demand for more meat and dairy products, the demand for animal feed also increases, adding more pressure on land. Today, production of animal feed takes up 50% of all agricultural land and 33% of the planet’s freshwater resources. Land conversion for agricultural purposes often leads to biodiversity loss, high water usage and pollution. Switching to sustainable practices in animal husbandry can cut livestock emissions by up to 30%. To become circular, animal feed industry needs more transparency and traceability along the supply chain, better standards for animal welfare and recycling of agricultural by-products into animal feed. As UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw explains, “We also can reduce our diet, in terms of meat, whenever it is possible. But we have to find a balance and produce more sustainably and consume more sustainably both meat and animal byproducts because they are part of our economy.” The path to sustainability in the livestock industry starts with what we choose to put on our plates.
