What production operators exist that successfully employ practices that are sustainable and/or have high animal welfare standards?
Context and Relevance:
As industrial animal food production expands in LMICs, it brings with it challenges related to sustainability, animal welfare, and public health. Identifying production operators that have successfully integrated regenerative, agroecological principles along with high animal welfare standards is vital for demonstrating viable alternatives to intensive production systems. This information can guide efforts to lobby for supportive policies and build movements toward sustainable, ethical food systems.
Potential Research Approach:
Successful Operators Identification: Identify production operators in LMICs that employ sustainable practices and high animal welfare standards. This includes mapping out their locations, the nature of their operations, and the specific practices they implement.
Success Factors Analysis: Analyze the factors that enable the success of these operators. Consider elements such as access to markets, financial and technical support, community engagement, policy frameworks, and education and training programs.
Support Mechanisms Exploration: Explore the types of support that can facilitate the success of sustainable and high-welfare production operators. This includes financial incentives, technical assistance, policy reforms, and market access initiatives.
Case Studies and Impact Assessment: Develop detailed case studies of successful operators to assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts of their practices. Compare these impacts with those of conventional intensive systems, focusing on animal welfare, biodiversity, soil health, community health, and economic viability.
Policy and Advocacy Recommendations: Based on the findings, develop recommendations for policy interventions and advocacy strategies to support and expand the adoption of sustainable, high-welfare production practices in LMICs. Identify key stakeholders and propose mechanisms for engaging them in transformative change.
Additional Questions:
What are the key barriers preventing broader adoption of sustainable and high animal welfare practices among production operators in LMICs, and how can they be overcome?
How can successful production operators in LMICs be scaled up or replicated in other regions to create broader impact?
What role do international trade policies and agreements play in supporting or hindering the adoption of sustainable and high-welfare animal production practices in LMICs?