Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
agreements that can match agriculture's own
sustainability goals and achieve greater envi-
ronmental and social sustainability in animal
agriculture without compromising economic
sustainability.
markets that may assist farmers and ranchers
in achieving their own goals for sustainability.
Conclusion
Sustainability in animal agriculture has never
been more important as our world faces a grow-
ing population, limited natural resources and
changing social challenges. Social sustainability
is a key component of any sustainability initiative
and must be considered in animal agriculture.
In the quest for sustainability, it is also necessary
to consider all people that work in the agricul-
tural industry including farmers, ranchers, farm
and ranch workers, and agricultural processors.
Policies and consumer demand can continue to
drive changes in agriculture, though it is impor-
tant to recognize that there are multiple goals of
sustainability from many stakeholder perspec-
tives. In some cases, one type of sustainability
may be at odds with another. Achieving sustain-
ability in animal agriculture thus must consider
all three pillars of sustainability and engage
with the many groups working to achieve sus-
tainability in the future.
Consumer trends and demands
Consumer demand also continues to drive
trends in animal agriculture, particularly as
some consumers choose products like grass-fed
beef, organic dairy and free-range eggs. There
may be additional opportunities in labelling
and consumer outreach to assist in guiding
other sustainability goals in social and eco-
nomic spheres. Labels and initiatives to safe-
guard agricultural land and individual farms
may gain traction among consumers that wish
to prioritize economic sustainability. Fair trade
labels and other social sustainability labels are
growing as new products are certified and new
initiatives enter into western markets. As long
as there is a demand for certain types of products,
it is likely that animal agriculture production
can respond to these changes and tap into
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