World Animal Protection urges governments to end factory farm subsidies, support sustainable agriculture

A new report by World Animal Protection (WAP) has called on governments worldwide to stop subsidising industrial livestock production, warning that such policies are accelerating deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss.

The report, titled “Subsidising Factory Farm Harm”, was released ahead of COP30 and exposes how countries including China, the United States, India, and members of the European Union continue to channel billions of dollars into factory farming — a system the group says harms animals, small-scale farmers, and the environment.

According to the findings, agriculture already accounts for up to 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet remains one of the most heavily subsidised sectors globally, second only to fossil fuels.

In Africa, the report notes that most agricultural input subsidies benefit large-scale producers rather than the smallholder farmers who provide the bulk of the continent’s food supply.

“We can’t keep pouring taxpayer money into food systems that are not fit for purpose,” said Kelly Dent, director of external engagement at the WAP.

“Factory farms pollute our climate, destroy biodiversity and put animals through immense suffering. The future is in fair farms, not factory farms.”he said.

The report highlights that if current trends continue, agriculture could contribute 52% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Subsidised production of beef, soy (used for animal feed), and palm oil is estimated to drive about 14% of global deforestation.

In Brazil, which will host COP30, subsidies to the beef industry amount to about $3.1 billion annually, nearly offsetting the sector’s total tax contributions. In the European Union, the study estimates that redirecting half of the $88.5 billion currently spent on factory farms could save 25 million megalitres of water and 19 million hectares of land each year.

Closer to home, World Animal Protection points to examples in Kenya, where integrated agroecological farms combining crops, livestock, and beekeeping have demonstrated both profitability and sustainability while reducing chemical use and improving animal welfare.

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“Factory farms are driving deforestation, pollution, and cruelty,” said Sally Kahiu, the organisation’s external affairs lead. “It’s time African governments stop funding destruction and start investing in solutions like agroecology that empower smallholder farmers, protect ecosystems, and strengthen food security.”

The organisation is urging African leaders attending COP30 to: Phase out harmful agricultural subsidies that promote industrial livestock expansion, Redirect public funds to support smallholder farmers, agroecology, and humane food systems, Integrate subsidy reform into national climate commitments (NDCs) and Provide training and social protection to farmers and workers as part of a “just transition.”

World Animal Protection emphasised that reforming agricultural subsidies is essential to achieving climate, biodiversity, and food security goals across Africa and globally.