Key facts
- Global supply of terrestrial animal source food (TASF) has increased significantly over the past six decades.
- Poultry meat supply grew approximately five-fold between 1961 and 2022.
- Eggs and pig meat supplies nearly doubled in the same period.
- Bovine meat supply remained stable or declined in many regions.
- Global meat production reached 361 million tonnes in 2022, up from 71 million tonnes in 1961.
- Global milk production reached 930 million tonnes in 2022, up from 342 million tonnes in 1961.
- Global egg production reached 94 million tonnes in 2022, up from 15 million tonnes in 1961.
- An estimated one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted, including 14% of TASF.
A new study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) indicates that global supply of terrestrial animal source food (TASF), including meat, eggs, and dairy, has significantly increased over the past six decades. Poultry meat showed the most substantial growth, approximately five-fold, between 1961 and 2022. Eggs and pig meat nearly doubled their supply, while bovine meat production remained stable or declined in many regions. By 2022, global meat production reached 361 million tonnes, milk production reached 930 million tonnes, and egg production reached 94 million tonnes. Asia is the largest producer of TASF, followed by Europe, though per capita supply is highest in Northern America. The report also highlights that approximately one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted, with about 14% of TASF affected, particularly in low- and middle-income countries due to inadequate infrastructure. International trade plays a limited role in global TASF supply, accounting for only about 10% of consumption. Emerging challenges for the livestock sector include environmental pressures like greenhouse gas emissions and land-use change, as well as issues related to animal health, welfare, and disease transmission.