The Societal Role of Meat and Livestock is an initiative of the international scientific community that conducts research in the animal agriculture sector. This includes research in the community, on the processes and environmental aspects of animal agriculture, and on the food and other products it produces.

Livestock and meat production and its interaction with human diet and nutrition, the environment and societal outcomes have underpinned human evolution for millennia.

The rise of misinformation around meat and other animal-source foods is alarming scientists around the world. They are deeply concerned how non-scientific ideology is misleading the development of policy around human nutritional standards and communication, environmental sustainability and societal ethics.

Here the science community asserts:

• Facts matter - science proves the vital role of animal agriculture in our health, environment and societies around the world

• Here we stand together – scientists around the world working together to ensure that high quality evidence is provided to inform policy development and decision-making