Seven big wins for farm animals in 2020

Abstract

Despite the challenges of 2020, significant progress was made in improving the welfare of farm animals and promoting alternative proteins. Notably, there was a surge in plant-based meat sales, with major fast food chains and food giants announcing new plant-based meat products. Additionally, the European Union and several countries enacted new animal welfare regulations and corporate pledges were secured to improve the welfare of broiler chickens, reduce the use of cages for egg-laying hens, and eliminate certain harmful practices in animal agriculture. Furthermore, cultivated meat, which is grown in a lab, achieved milestones with funding increases and regulatory approvals. Finally, welfare standards for farmed fish were developed and a major shrimp producer ended the practice of eyestalk ablation. – AI-generated abstract.