New FAO Report published: Drivers of supply and demand of terrestrial animal source food

Diverse foods derived from livestock production systems, including grazing and pastoralist systems, and from wildlife, provide high-quality proteins, important fatty acids and various vitamins and minerals – contributing to healthy diets for improved nutrition and health. Preferences and socio-economic and cultural factors, which vary across agrifood systems and population subgroups, can shape their demand and consumption.

FAO is developing a comprehensive, science- and evidence-based global assessment of the contribution of livestock to food security, sustainable agrifood systems, nutrition and healthy diets, considering environmental, economic and social sustainability. The assessment consists of three component documents. Drivers of supply and demand of terrestrial animal source food. An evidence and policy overview on the state of knowledge and gaps is the second component document and examines the determinants of the supply and demand of terrestrial animal source foods worldwide, as well as the factors that influence consumer behaviour and other individual circumstances surrounding the acquisition and consumption of these foods.

It follows on from their first publication in 2023: Contribution of terrestrial animal source food to healthy diets for improved nutrition and health outcomes. A third component document is expected on the contribution of the livestock sector to food security and sustainable agrifood systems – benefits, constraints, synergies and trade-offs.