The RMS
The Responsible Minimum Standards (RMS)
There are two sets of RMS.
The animal welfare standards establish baseline expectations for the treatment of animals in the global food system.​
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These standards include welfare risks (by species) and accompanying mitigation standards.
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The Animal Welfare RMS have “Principles” that apply to all species.
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Species-specific standards exist for: Cattle used for beef, cattle used for dairy, chickens used for meat, hens kept for eggs, pigs raised for pork and farmed fish.
The protein shift standards guide financial institutions on aligning their financing and investment activities with plant-forward food systems and broader sustainability goals, including climate action, biodiversity protection, and food security.​
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​These standards include four opportunities and accompanying mitigation standards that guide financial institutions in advancing each opportunity and reducing risks associated with exposure to animal agriculture.
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The Protein Shift RMS are accompanied by the "Protein Shift RMS Rationale."
Why are the RMS needed?
Lack of coverage in existing ESG frameworks
Existing frameworks (IFC, Equator Principles, SASB, TCFD, TNFD, EU Taxonomy, etc.) partially address or do not meaningfully address animal welfare or systemic risks from industrial animal agriculture.
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Fragmented guidance and lack of accountability
Financial institutions that do address animal welfare or protein transition do so inconsistently—policies vary widely in scope and quality.
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Lack of knowledge and education on animal welfare and animal agriculture
Some financial institutions want to improve animal welfare and reduce animal agriculture exposure, but don’t have the resources or internal knowledge to do so effectively.
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Hidden material risks from poor animal welfare and animal agriculture
There are hidden material risks associated with poor animal welfare and animal ag, leaving financial institutions with significant exposure.