This paper examines the societal, environmental, and economic implications of eliminating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from agricultural production systems. GMOs have enabled significant advancements in food security, yield stability, pest and disease management, and environmental sustainability over the past three decades.

Conflicting values in society about animal use lead to ongoing debate about what constitutes a good life for farm animals. Applied ethicists take two broad approaches: one focuses on the consequences of using animals in particular ways, the other on the morality of that use regardless of consequences—reflected in "animal welfare" and "animal rights" perspectives. This task force report examines current issues in agricultural animal production, the origins of welfare concerns, major scientific advances since the 1997 CAST Task Force Report, and outstanding challenges and priority areas for future research, coordination, and outreach in agricultural animal welfare.