FAIRR’s top news picks
Poor Working Conditions – A Plight for the Global Meat Industry?
Bloomberg | 14 February 2023
The animal farming industry has been scrutinised again due to its substandard labour practices. In light of the pandemic, the companies had boosted pay and other benefits, which have now been rolled back or reduced, leading to an acute workforce shortage at the plants. The labour shortage issue is driving inflation as the industry struggles to hire more workers. FAIRR’s latest report on the Working Conditions engagement addresses the human capital risks in the meat packing industry.
Animal Feed – Major Contributor to Environment’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Guardian | 13 February 2023
Chicken and salmon farms are under pressure to reduce their emissions in light of a new study showing feed accounts for 78% and 69%, respectively, of the industries’ environmental pressures. Though they are considered more environmentally efficient when compared to beef, scientists noted both had ‘vast’ carbon footprints. Scientists are hoping that the emerging types of animal feed, such as insects, will make the industry more sustainable, helping to reduce GHG emissions. FAIRR members can learn more about our engagement on sustainable aquaculture feed here.
Japan Faces Unprecedented Spread of Bird Flu
Investing | 16 February 2023
The Avian flu outbreak in Japan has caused the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to warn of increasing risks from the disease. This unprecedented outbreak has forced farmers to cull nearly 15 million birds, nearly 50% more than the previous flu outbreak in 2020-2021. Learn more about FAIRR’s Industry Reinfected report, as 63% of the 60 companies assessed ranked as high risk on pandemic risk.
Graphic of the Week
The global Avian flu has affected more than 100 million poultry leading to a high production cost of a carton of eggs in the US, making it more expensive than a pound of ground chuck in January.
Source: Bloomberg
More Food for Thought
AMR to Remain High on the Global Health Agenda | The Hindu
Peru Residents Asked to Stay Away From the Beaches Amid Avian Flu | Rosie Frost | Euro News
UK Cultivated Meat Companies Receive Fivefold Investment in 2022 | Alec Mattison | The Grocer
FAIRR’s Protein Pulse is a weekly collection of news articles related to the food sector that may be of interest to our members. FAIRR does not necessarily endorse the views of these news articles and assumes no responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies found in third-party content.
