World Animal Protection urges governments to end factory farm subsidies

KENYA – Governments across the world are being called out for bankrolling destructive factory farming through subsidies that fuel deforestation, climate change, and animal cruelty. 

A new report by World Animal Protection, Subsidising Factory Farm Harm, warns that unless this public funding is redirected towards sustainable food systems, efforts to achieve global climate and biodiversity goals will fall short.

The report, launched ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, reveals that agriculture already contributes up to 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions yet remains one of the most heavily subsidized sectors, second only to fossil fuels. 

Major economies, including China, the United States, India, and the European Union, account for nearly 80% of global agricultural subsidies, much of which supports industrial livestock and feed production.

“We can’t keep pouring taxpayer money into food systems that are not fit for purpose,” said Kelly Dent, World Animal Protection’s Director of External Engagement. 

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

Billions funding environmental destruction

The report highlights that subsidised production of beef, soy (for animal feed), and palm oil drives roughly 14% of global deforestation. 

In Brazil alone, subsidies to the beef sector average about US$3.1 billion annually, nearly matching the US$3.8 billion the industry pays in taxes. 

In the European Union, half of the US$88.5 billion allocated yearly to factory farms could instead save 25 million megalitres of water and 19 million hectares of land every year if redirected to sustainable systems.

World Animal Protection warns that such funding traps animals in cruel conditions while locking the world into high-emission, resource-intensive production models. 

The organisation estimates that if current trends continue, agriculture could account for 52% of global emissions by 2050.

Africa’s missed opportunity

Across Africa, governments continue to invest heavily in input subsidies that favour industrial producers over smallholders, even though small-scale farmers feed most of the continent. 

Redirecting these funds towards agroecology, the report argues, could make African agriculture more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

In Kenya, for instance, mixed farms integrating crops, bees, chickens, goats, and cattle have demonstrated that agroecological systems can deliver profitability, cut chemical use, improve animal welfare, and strengthen food security. 

“Factory farms are driving deforestation, pollution, and cruelty,” said Sally Kahiu, External Affairs Lead at World Animal Protection. 

“It’s time African governments stop funding destruction and start investing in solutions by redirecting subsidies towards humane and sustainable farming systems such as agroecology, which empower smallholder farmers, protect ecosystems, and strengthen food security.”

Call to Action Ahead of COP30

The report urges African leaders heading to COP30 to phase out harmful agricultural subsidies, integrate subsidy reform into national climate commitments, and redirect funds toward smallholder farmers and sustainable farming systems. 

It also calls for training, innovation, and social protection measures to ensure a just transition for workers and producers.

World Animal Protection insists that transforming food systems must be at the heart of global climate discussions. 

“Public finance should drive sustainable and humane food systems,” Dent added. “But right now, we’re being locked into harmful ones.”The organisation says governments have a “triple-win opportunity” to advance climate goals, protect biodiversity, and build fairer food economies if they stop subsidising factory farm harm.

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