The RSPCA Certified team was pleased to attend the 2026 Food with Purpose Conference, held on Broadbeach, Gold Coast from 12 – 15 May.
The conference brought together producers, retailers and industry leaders from across Australia. Food with Purpose explored the future of agricultural production through conversations focused on transparency, innovation and changing consumer expectations. For the RSPCA Certified team, this was an opportunity to connect directly with producers, brands, restaurants and retailers, raise awareness of the RSPCA Australia standards and gain insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. These conversations are essential in ensuring RSPCA Certified continues to evolve alongside producers, brands and retailers while advocating for higher–welfare outcomes for farmed animals.
Food with Purpose brought together poultry, pork, and milling sectors to share ideas, innovations, and knowledge that is shaping the future of farming.
Animal welfare was a consistent theme throughout the event, reflecting growing consumer awareness around farming practices and animal care. The RSPCA Certified team’s discussions highlighted farming systems that support important behaviors including nesting, perching, dustbathing, and foraging. These conversations reinforced the importance of higher-welfare farming and the role of the RSPCA Australia standards.
As consumers become increasingly more interested in where their food comes from, conversations around animal welfare and sustainability continue to grow in importance. Events like Food with Purpose create opportunities for producers, businesses, and industry stakeholders to share knowledge and drive positive change across the sector.
The RSPCA has long advocated for improvements for animals farmed for food and fibre. Through the RSPCA Australia Standards, RSPCA Certified is able to implement meaningful, tangible changes with Producers for handling, housing and husbandry all aimed at providing farmed animals with a better quality of life. The Standards are developed by the RSPCA Australia Science and Policy team, with industry consultation, to raise the bar as high as possible while still remaining feasible, all in the Australian context. The Standards are reviewed around every five years to keep up to date with advancements in farm animal welfare science and farming technology and innovations. By having important conversations at events like Food with Purpose, we gained additional insight into the successes and challenges for Producers and industry stakeholders, ensuring that we continue to make real, effective impact through the Standards and certification.
Food with Purpose 2026 provided valuable opportunities to build new connections, share knowledge and engage in meaningful conversations about higher-welfare farming. The event also offered insight into emerging innovations and industry trends, reinforcing the growing momentum behind higher-welfare food production and the importance of collaboration in driving positive change for farmed animals.
After such a positive and rewarding experience, we’re excited to attend future farm animal welfare events and connect with other industry and welfare leaders.
To learn more about higher welfare farming and how RSPCA Certified is involved visit Farm Animal Welfare Certification | RSPCA Certified
