Grazing for dollars: responsible investing for healthy and sustainable animal agriculture in Australia

Katherine Sievert (), Rachel Carey, Christine Parker, Ella Robinson and Gary Sacks
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Katherine Sievert: Deakin University
Rachel Carey: University of Melbourne
Christine Parker: The University of Melbourne
Ella Robinson: Deakin University
Gary Sacks: Deakin University

Agriculture and Human Values, 2025, vol. 42, issue 2, No 16, 863-884

Abstract: Abstract Investments by the global finance sector contribute to industrial-scale agriculture along with its harmful environmental impacts, making their actions significant in supporting or opposing sustainable food systems transformation. Previous research has shown that institutional investors identify animal agriculture as an important consideration with respect to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues regarding sustainable food systems. This study aimed to explore ways in which so-called ‘responsible’ investors in Australia consider risks related to animal agriculture, and whether existing ESG metrics are ‘fit-for-purpose’ for assessing issues related to sustainable animal agriculture. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with responsible investors and relevant non-government organisations (NGOs) in Australia. We found that the responsible investment sector lacked mechanisms to recognise the inter-connections between animal agriculture and multiple environmental and social outcomes. Furthermore, we found that investors largely focused on ‘techno’ solutions to the impacts of animal agriculture, such as alternative proteins, through a ‘single issue’ lens. They rarely made connections to other relevant ‘food systems’ issues, such as health. We conclude that holistic approaches are needed to monitor and assess the impacts of animal agriculture in the investment sector and suggest that integrated ‘food systems’ metrics will be necessary to inform these approaches.

Keywords: Institutional investors; Animal agriculture; Sustainable food systems; Responsible investors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10460-024-10642-8

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