The International Poultry Council (IPC) has joined partners across the global livestock community in endorsing the newly launched Common Principles and Actions for Sustainable Livestock Production. The document, introduced ahead of the FAO Sustainable Livestock Conference and COP30, represents a unified call to action from across the animal agriculture value chain — from feed to food — emphasizing that the livestock sector is ready to deliver solutions for both people and the planet.
The Common Principles highlight six shared commitments designed to guide sustainability across all production systems and regions. At the heart of the framework is the recognition that meaningful progress must deliver across three interconnected pillars:
– Environmental stewardship
– Farmer livelihoods
. Food security
These principles emphasize that sustainability requires balance — climate action cannot succeed if farms are failing, and food systems cannot be considered sustainable if they leave people hungry. The livestock sector, employing more than 1.3 billion people and contributing 40% of global agricultural GDP, plays a crucial role in providing high-quality protein and micronutrients while supporting rural economies and biodiversity.
Within the poultry sector, the IPC reaffirmed its commitment to making poultry production one of the most efficient and sustainable sources of animal protein worldwide. As outlined in the document, IPC’s actions include the Global Antimicrobial Use Stewardship Principles and Best Practices developed jointly with WOAH, and the São Paulo Declaration on Poultry Meat Sector Sustainable Development, both of which promote responsible practices, animal welfare, and innovation to minimize environmental impact.
Other international partners involved — including the International Feed Industry Federation, Global Dairy Platform, World Farmers’ Organization, and the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef — contributed sector-specific strategies that reinforce the shared vision of sustainability through science, data, and collaboration.
The initiative also calls for greater investment in livestock health and innovation, noting that only 0.01–0.02% of global climate finance currently supports livestock health, despite its proven potential to reduce emissions.
“Together, we can build a more sustainable food system that delivers for animals, people, and the planet,” IPC stated in its announcement.
Source: International Poultry Council – “Common Principles and Actions for Sustainable Livestock Production,”
