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

Author

Listed:
  • Katherine Sievert

    (Deakin University)

  • Rachel Carey

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Christine Parker

    (The University of Melbourne)

  • Ella Robinson

    (Deakin University)

  • Gary Sacks

    (Deakin University)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine Sievert & Rachel Carey & Christine Parker & Ella Robinson & Gary Sacks, 2025. "Grazing for dollars: responsible investing for healthy and sustainable animal agriculture in Australia," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 42(2), pages 863-884, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:42:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10460-024-10642-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-024-10642-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robinson, Ella & Parker, Christine & Carey, Rachel & Foerster, Anita & Blake, Miranda & Sievert, Katherine & Sacks, Gary, 2024. "Putting your money where your mouth is: Accelerating investment action for healthy and sustainable food systems in Australia," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
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