Abstract: The consumption of animal products is influenced by multiple factors, and reducing it can be approached by increasing the cost of production, reducing demand, and/or increasing demand elasticity by offering quality alternatives. This study will employ literature review and desk research methodology to investigate the factors affecting the cost of production of various animal products in the United States and other countries, emphasizing areas with significant potential impact for animals. The key goal is to identify current and potential future vulnerabilities in the production process. Additionally, the report will outline factors that currently strengthen the supply chain or reduce costs, and opposing factors that may reduce costs or make production more resilient in the future. We will produce a lay-friendly research report describing the findings and recommendations for animal advocates.

Abstract: Nomenclature bans for plant-based foods are under discussion in various countries. These bans restrict the use of terms like 'cheese'—traditionally associated with animal products—on the grounds that such terminology confuses consumers, despite the lack of empirical evidence backing these claims. Rigorous research is crucial to challenge these restrictions, as they could hinder the growth of the plant-based food industry. While vegan labels (e.g., the V-label) may mitigate confusion, there is a significant lack of empirical research on their effects on consumer understanding.

Using a randomized online experiment, this study aims to understand how different labeling practices affect consumer confusion regarding plant-based cheese alternatives in Turkiye, where stringent regulations have been introduced. It will also explore second-order beliefs by examining how accurately consumers predict others' misunderstandings. Additionally, the research will evaluate how labeling practices influence perceptions of key product attributes (e.g., nutritional value) and perceived similarities to animal-based cheese (e.g., sensory attributes, price).

Abstract: Brazil is a major producer and consumer of industrial meat and is home to very large and influential companies within the meat sector. Brazil's position as a leading global producer and consumer of animal products, combined with its socio-economic complexities, makes it a critical case for understanding government-industry dynamics in populous low and middle-income countries. Despite extensive discussions on sustainability, a gap remains in understanding how industry influence shapes policy decisions and the potential for policy interventions to curb animal product consumption growth.

The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining policy analysis, case studies, and stakeholder interviews. It will also examine literature examining successful interventions in Brazil and other countries to shift government policies. The project will result in a detailed research paper with findings on policies, industry influence, and potential intervention strategies.

Abstract: Most studies on meat-reduction messaging have only used a small set of messages with idiosyncratic methodology, making it difficult to have any clear sense of what works best. We propose to advance the literature with a large-scale online experiment in which participants are randomized into many different possible advocacy presentations made up of content modules (e.g., animal suffering, environment, health), as well as randomizing whether the participant is “captive” or “free” to skip modules they do not want to see. Randomization will also occur within each module (e.g., animal suffering with graphic versus non-graphic content). Participants can then make a real purchase for a plant-based item or a meat-based item and choose whether they will sign a petition. The research paper from this study will provide the first rigorous comparison between messaging strategies, including across subpopulations (e.g., men over 50).

Abstract: One of the biggest hurdles to getting lawmakers to support or propose welfare legislation is their fear of negative public reaction and its impact on their political careers. We intend to identify issues with the most public support, particularly bipartisan support, in key states. During the design phase of this work, we will determine key issues and the ten most tractable states to poll in close consultation with advocates who do legislative work. We will then conduct polls to gauge support for each of the potential legislative avenues, using a representative sample of 1,068 participants from each of ten different U.S. states. We will segment results by key demographics and communicate them via a research report published to Faunalytics’ website. In short, this study will provide both strategic and tactical support to advocates who work through legislative channels to produce a large impact for animals.

Abstract: This research aims to optimize institutional animal activism by creating a best practice guide grounded in the insights of experienced activists. Institutional activism, targeting corporate and government policy changes, is a favored strategy within the Effective Altruism community due to its potential to significantly improve animal welfare. Despite its prevalence and the substantial budget allocated to it, there is a notable lack of formalized best practices.

Investigators will interview professional institutional activists to explore key factors contributing to campaign successes, common challenges, and desired resources. Their analysis will identify recurring themes, evaluate various approaches, and prioritize best practices that are widely agreed upon, under-utilized, and easy to implement.

Abstract: Which behavioral interventions are most effective in reducing meat consumption? Hundreds of randomized-controlled trials (RCT’s) have addressed this question, testing different interventions with different methods in different contexts. Meta-analyses can help to synthesize research findings, but they often focus on one intervention type and only provide a brief snapshot of the quickly accumulating evidence base. Actionable insights often remain difficult to extract.

To address these problems, we are proposing to build LIME, an online Library of Interventions for Meat Elimination. LIME is tailored to aid advocates, policy makers, and researchers in identifying and synthesizing the evidence relevant for a specific goal. Investigators aim to build an extensive databank of all RCTs aimed at changing meat consumption, which will be updated regularly. Users will be able to use various filters, such as country, type of outcome measure, the content, medium, or mechanism of the intervention. Additionally, various analysis tools will allow users to summarize identified studies and meta-analyze the effectiveness of interventions.

Abstract: The research project will undertake a comparative analysis of litigation that has worked in populous low and middle-income countries to halt or slow the spread of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) or their equivalent. The research analysis will focus on approaches taken in Brazil, India, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, and Zimbabwe as contrasted with the United States (U.S.) This proposed research will identify strategies and approaches to challenge industrial animal agriculture that are not currently being utilized in the U.S.

Abstract: Conducted in Brazil, one of the world’s largest per capita consumers of beef, the study aims to understand how educational initiatives based on transformative learning theory can influence the reduction of animal-based meat consumption by promoting alternative protein sources such as cultured and plant-based meats. The methodology involves the use of focus groups, each exposed to a different documentary covering the ethical, health, or environmental impacts of meat production. This approach will allow the comparison of the effects of mere exposure to information with those that include guided reflection.

Abstract: We study whether new plant-based meat and dairy alternatives and changing policies toward animal welfare affect or can be explained by changing consumer attitudes. We document trends in grocery purchases for different segments of the U.S. population and investigate potential drivers of changing interest in meat, eggs, dairy, and plant-based substitutes in the National Consumer Panel. We initially find little substitution for most consumers. Instead it seems as though the increase in consumption of plant-based alternatives is mainly driven by a small fraction of the population. There is some evidence, however, that this subset of the population is slowly but steadily growing. We plan to complement these descriptive trends with an analysis of how consumption responds to the arrival of novel plant-based substitutes in the grocery store and moving between regions with different consumption patterns. Furthermore, we intend to estimate a learning model to understand how consumers' beliefs respond to initial purchases of plant-based alternatives.

We aim to produce a published paper in a respected economics journal; we expect to post a working paper well before that.

Abstract: For animal advocacy campaigns to be successful, it is often necessary to seek common ground with those whom we seek to persuade. This is especially true with legislative and political advocacy. Given the divisive political climate in the United States, it is crucial to frame our issues in terms that will appeal to lawmakers from both major political parties.

As recent polling by Pew Research demonstrates, framing animal protection issues in terms of their impact on climate change could be effective with Democrats, but this common approach is likely to fail with Republicans. In contrast, the economy is considered a key issue by 79% of voters overall, regardless of political party. For this reason, we plan to use available data to estimate the number of U.S. jobs that could be created by increasing focus on the U.S. alternative protein industry.

We will estimate the number of jobs created and lost in two scenarios: a “meat-based future” and a “plant-based future.” In the first we will create a scenario of realistically increased supply and demand for animal products, then estimating the number of jobs based on this projected breakdown of the animal-based and plant-based agriculture and production sectors. The second scenario assumes a sizable shift in global diets toward plant-based foods, estimating the number of jobs based on this projected breakdown of the animal-based and plant-based agriculture and production sectors. We will deliver a final white paper and an executive summary to be published online.

Abstract: Our research aims to develop more effective messaging strategies to encourage a shift towards plant-based diets. We will develop a survey using existing validated scales to measure factors such as dietary motivations, values, psychographics, and information sources. The survey will be administered to a large, representative UK sample, and the data will be analysed to identify distinct groups based on shared motivations, values, and perspectives on food choices. We will then test whether messages tailored to these segments are more effective in promoting dietary change than generic messaging.

Abstract: Environmental concerns are posing risks to existing practices followed in agriculture. With increasing temperature variations, physical risks of environmental disasters and deteriorating agricultural yield, sustainable agriculture policy appears to be the only promising solution to address food security with a promise of environmental balance. However, the transition path towards sustainable agriculture requires long term planning with major investments towards new technologies. These investments require funding from financial institutions and government. However, the credit access remains moderate in the initial years of transition due to lack of productivity and greater investment requirements. This project is aimed at analyzing the role of financial inter-mediation in facilitating the transition process. More specifically, the project aims to develop a micro-foundation analytical model which will help businesses to plan their path towards sustainable agriculture practices in medium and long term. The model will provide different alternative transition paths scenario analysis with an emphasis on the availability of financing from financial institutions and government.

This research aims to identify the key barriers, including technical and economic challenges, to the Greek aquaculture industry adopting pre-slaughter electrical stunning on a larger scale, focusing on sea bream and sea bass. Despite the recognized welfare benefits of pre-slaughter electrical stunning, there is a lack of understanding regarding the specific obstacles faced by Greek producers in implementing this technology.

Abstract: Environmental concerns are posing risks to existing practices followed in agriculture. With increasing temperature variations, physical risks of environmental disasters and deteriorating agricultural yield, sustainable agriculture policy appears to be the only promising solution to address food security with a promise of environmental balance. However, the transition path towards sustainable agriculture requires long term planning with major investments towards new technologies. These investments require funding from financial institutions and government. However, the credit access remains moderate in the initial years of transition due to lack of productivity and greater investment requirements. This project is aimed at analyzing the role of financial inter-mediation in facilitating the transition process. More specifically, the project aims to develop a micro-foundation analytical model which will help businesses to plan their path towards sustainable agriculture practices in medium and long term. The model will provide different alternative transition paths scenario analysis with an emphasis on the availability of financing from financial institutions and government.

Abstract: This survey will address the most business-relevant questions that producers may have about in-ovo egg sexing technology:

1) How aware are American consumers of male chick culling?

2) What do American consumers think about male chick culling?

3) What do American consumers think about in-ovo egg sexing technology?

4) Who might the early adopters be?

5) How much of a price premium are early adopters willing to pay?

6) What should we call eggs made with this technology?