What is a Just Transition and why does it matter for animals, people and the planet?

What does Just Transition mean? 

At its heart, a Just Transition is about moving away from factory farming and towards a food system that is fairer, kinder and sustainable. It means supporting farmers and workers to shift from practices that harm animals and the planet to ones that protect them, without leaving anyone behind. 

Instead of propping up intensive factory farms, governments should back farming systems that: 

• Put animal welfare first 

• Work with nature, not against it 

• Create secure, decent livelihoods for farmers 

• Produce healthy, affordable food for people 

In other words, it’s not just about ending factory farming – it’s about building something better in its place. 

Why is it needed? 

Factory farming keeps billions of animals trapped in misery, packed into cages and sheds where they can’t express natural behaviours. It also fuels deforestation, pollutes our rivers, drives antibiotic resistance and worsens the climate crisis. 

Meanwhile, many farmers are struggling. Factory farming systems lock them into debt, high input costs and volatile markets. Communities are left vulnerable when profits are concentrated in the hands of a few global corporations. 

A Just Transition offers a way out by creating a food system that supports animals, people and the planet all at once. 

What would it look like? 

With the right support, farmers could move towards: 

• Higher-welfare farming where animals live outdoors, roam freely, and aren’t mutilated or cramped in filthy, unnatural conditions. 

• Nature-friendly farming working with forests, soils and biodiversity instead of destroying them. 

• Resilient rural economies where farmers and workers are valued and communities thrive. 

It’s already happening in pockets across the UK and globally from woodland pig systems to farms planting trees alongside crops and livestock. What’s missing is proper political will and investment to scale it up. 

Why now? 

Time is running out. The climate crisis is accelerating, nature is in decline, and factory farming is expanding. Governments must act now to back farmers in making the shift. Otherwise, animals will continue to suffer, communities will be left behind, and the damage to the planet will only deepen. 

Take action 

A future without factory farming is possible – but only if we demand it. A Just Transition is the pathway to a kinder, more sustainable food system.