American Views on Technology in Animal Agriculture
A recent survey by nonpartisan polling firm Positive Sum Strategies asked Americans for their views on technology in animal agriculture. Innovate Animal Ag analyzed this data, and pulled out the key insights for business leaders and policy makers. We found that Americans fundamentally want practical solutions to the challenges they see in animal health and welfare, and leaning into cutting-edge, science-backed technologies is often viewed as the most sensible way to solve these challenges. And as long as consumers are educated on why technologies are used, they will gladly support companies and policymakers that use technology to improve animal welfare.
Key Takeaways
Farm animal welfare is a popular, bipartisan issue.
65% of Americans agree that it’s important for food companies to find new ways to guarantee the humane treatment of animals on farms, including majorities in all political parties.
74% of Americans prefer that technology is used to improve animal welfare rather than to lower the cost of food.
Americans favor technology, not vegetarianism.
Across a number of welfare challenges, a plurality (average 39%) of Americans favor technological solutions compared to abstaining from consuming animal products (average 6%).
Only 30% of Americans have been hesitant to purchase meat or eggs based on concerns over animal welfare.
Americans favor technology if they understand the problem, but are skeptical otherwise.
Americans generally approve of using technology to improve animal welfare (e.g. 79% approve of solving boar taint with technology), or to solve concrete problems (e.g. 71% support using gene editing for avian influenza), but disapprove of using technology merely to lower costs (e.g. 58% disapprove of using AI to increase stocking density.)
Business leaders and policymakers have an opportunity.
50% of Americans are willing to pay more for foods produced more humanely.
65% of Americans would support government incentives for animal welfare-improving technologies, including majorities in both parties.
