“Industrial meat” is a broad term that encompasses a large and complex segment of food animal production. However, there are some basic commonalities that help to define these production systems.

To change this system and promote safe, healthy meat products, we must reduce the amount of meat we consume and change the type of meat we consume. If demand shifts away from consuming large portions of industrial meat and eating it frequently and toward eating smaller portions of humanely-raised meat with larger portions of plant proteins, the market will respond.

In order to address the environmental, social, human health, and economic consequences of intensive animal production, we must end our overconsumption of meat and poultry, and shift our diet to include more plant-based proteins.

These farmers market the meat they raise through farmers markets, community supported agriculture (CSA), local retailers, online stores, and some national retailers. The farmers need the continued support of customers to keep the high-welfare management practices economically viable.

Are you interested in continuing to learn how to opt out of industrial meat? Take a look at some of the resources we have compiled.

Cut the meat you eat by half and choose plant-based proteins instead.