The FARMS Initiative’s goal is for financial institutions to encourage and support companies across the food system—including meat, milk, egg, and alternative protein producers—towards meeting the Responsible Minimum Standards for both farm animal welfare and the protein shift. These standards outline practical steps for managing risks and advancing opportunities related to how animals are raised, transported, and slaughtered, as well as how food systems transition toward more sustainable and diversified protein portfolios.

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Issues surrounding animal agriculture and food production are complex. The FARMS Initiative seeks modest yet impactful improvements from financial institutions in how they assess, manage, and disclose risks and opportunities linked to animal welfare and the protein shift. Financial institutions have a unique and powerful ability to influence livestock producers, manufacturers, distributors, and other stakeholders to drive progress toward a more humane, resilient, and sustainable food system.