Taking a Stand Against Financing Factory Farming at the 2024 World Bank Fall Meetings

The World Bank Annual Meetings bring together world leaders, finance ministers, and policymakers from the two largest Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)– the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)– to make decisions that shape global efforts on poverty, climate change, and food security. These meetings determine how development finance is allocated to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. 

At this year’s annual Fall Meetings from October 21 to 26, there’s reason to believe the food system may make more of an appearance. The World Bank’s Recipe for a Livable Planet report recognizes that the agrifood sector is responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, stating that “now is the time to put agriculture and food at the top of the [climate] mitigation agenda.” Livestock production alone is currently responsible for up to 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. But recognition alone won’t drive the change we need—action is critical.

To push for that action, the Stop Financing Factory Farming (S3F) campaign is hosting key events during the Fall Meetings:

• (Thursday, October 24th 1:30-3pm EST)— a Civil Society Policy Forum panel will cover the need for the World Bank to align its investments with its climate goals. 
• (Friday, October 25th 12-2pm EST, outside the World Bank Headquarters): S3F is partnering with the Big Shift Coalition for a World Bank Action Day to emphasize that the Bank cannot fulfill its mission to “end poverty on a livable planet” while continuing to finance factory farming.

The Stop Financing Factory Farming (S3F) campaign is committed to helping public development banks like the World Bank transition away from financing factory farming– an industry that accelerates climate change, destroys biodiversity, and harms animals and communities. By advocating for sustainable alternatives, we aim to push these institutions toward agroecological solutions that contribute to a more sustainable, democratic and fair food system for all.  

With the World Bank’s updated mission—Ending Poverty on a Livable Planet—and its May 2024 blueprint addressing food’s climate footprint, this is a timely opportunity to push for real change. The Bank’s call to shift subsidies, including loans, away from meat production and radically transform our food systems aligns with S3F’s purpose for a more sustainable food future; now, it’s time for the World Bank to put their money where their mouth is and stop funding factory farming and monoculture feed production.

Our Message to the World Bank: Stop Financing Factory Farming

As these powerful discussions take place, we’re placing ads near the World Bank headquarters to demand an end to the financing of factory farming.

Testimonials from the Frontlines: Hear from the Communities Impacted by World Bank-Financed Factory Farming Projects

Check out the video below to learn how MDB investments in Ecuador’s largest meat company, Pronaca, have harmed local indigenous communities by polluting their waterways and threatening food sovereignty in the region. This funding conflicts with the bank’s own policies and the consequences on the ground.

Take Action

We need your voice to help shift the conversation and demand better from the world’s most powerful financial institutions. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our campaign, and sign our World Bank petition to support the fight for sustainable, equitable food systems.