Interpretive Summary: The societal role of meat and livestock—what the science says

By: Keith Belk, Peer Ederer, Frédéric Leroy

The Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock (2023) was initiated during the International Summit on the Societal Role of Meat, held in October 2022 in Dublin. Scientific evidence in support of the declaration was provided through a variety of oral presentations by leading experts and a series of articles published in a previous Themed Issue of Animal Frontiers (Volume 13, Issue 2, April 2023, ISSN 2160-6056, EISSN 2160-6064). Since the declaration was issued for the publishing of this editorial, over 1,200 verified scientists from around the world have signed to document their agreement. For the occasion of this guest editorial, it is worthwhile revisiting the opening paragraph, which argued that “livestock systems must progress on the basis of the highest scientific standards. They are too precious to society to become the victim of simplification, reductionism, or zealotry. These systems must continue to be embedded in and have the broad approval of society. For that, scientists are asked to provide reliable evidence of their nutrition and health benefits, environmental sustainability, sociocultural, and economic values, as well as solutions for the many improvements that are needed. This declaration aims to give voice to the many scientists around the world who research diligently, honestly, and successfully in the various disciplines in order to achieve a balanced view of the future of animal agriculture” (Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock, 2023).

Read more in Animal Frontiers, The Societal Role of Meat & Livestock.