The role of standards in improving the sustainability of livestock production

Despite increasing urgency and pressure from stakeholders to increase the sustainability of livestock production systems, little research has so far been carried out on the role of sustainability standards. Standards are perceived as a promising way forward in the transition towards more sustainable modes of production. In this chapter we apply a transition theory lens to sustainability standards in the dairy sector and identify progress towards more sustainable production. Analysis of the literature and in-depth interviews with dairy sustainability standard representatives highlight the increased pressure to prove sustainability claims of standards. Meanwhile, standards need to balance providing stability and accessibility to their producers while also allowing continuous improvement. While there is no one pathway toward sustainable development, it is clear that standards will continue to evolve, and their acceptance by farmers and consumers, and contribution to sustainability, will depend upon the pressures exerted on them by stakeholders with diverse interests.