The Animal Agriculture Alliance released a new report detailing U.S. animal agriculture’s contributions to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Raising animals for food is at the heart of healthy, sustainable communities and healthy, sustainable diets. Generations of farmers and ranchers have put the health and well-being of animals first, while also caring for the land and its natural resources to ensure a viable future. In doing so, they have continued to provide nutrient-dense foods that cannot easily be replaced,” Animal Agriculture Alliance said in a release.
U.S. animal agriculture is actively contributing toward all 17 of the SDGs, including Zero Hunger, Decent Work and Economic Growth and Climate Action, the report shows. The SDGs will be a central focus of the U.N.’s annual climate change conference, COP29, that is being held now through Nov. 22.
“The U.S. animal agriculture community is a world leader in sustainability efforts and has a proven track record of continued progress in environmental stewardship, food security, and more. Meat, dairy, poultry, eggs and seafood are at the heart of healthy, sustainable diets, playing a vital role in meeting nutritional demands and closing gaps in nutrient deficiencies,” Animal Agriculture Alliance said.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has concluded that, “Livestock serves as a crucial source of high-quality protein and essential micronutrients, and is vital for normal development and good health.”
The report highlights many examples of contributions being made toward each goal, including these:
• No Poverty (SDG 1): U.S. food and agriculture is an economic driver, providing 22.1 million jobs supporting local families and communities.
• Zero Hunger (SDG 2): Meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood play a pivotal role in healthy, balanced diets. The U.S. dairy community alone is supplying enough protein for 169 million people, calcium for 254 million people, and energy for 71.2 million people.
• Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3): Animal-based foods are great sources of many essential nutrients – some of which are best and sometimes only found in meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood. These foods can also support weight management, satiety, physical fitness, and overall health.
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): The U.S. animal agriculture community is always looking for new ways to innovate, including projects to recycle manure from the farm and convert it into renewable energy.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): The agriculture and food sector provides employment to 10.4% of the working population in the U.S., equating to roughly 22 million jobs for Americans. Agriculture, food, and related industries contributed approximately $1.53 trillion to U.S. gross domestic product in 2023, making up 6.5% of the share.
• Climate Action (SDG 13): Although incredible progress towards climate change efforts has already been made, the U.S. animal agriculture community remains committed to furthering that progress, including several pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Alliance notes it received a badge to participate in COP29 discussions, which has been shared with the Protein PACT to engage on behalf of animal agriculture.
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