Tyson Foods Inc

In 2017-2018, the company launched an initiative to understand its exposure to water risks. The company used the WRI Aqueduct tool along with data from NorthStart to assess the water risks for its direct operations in the US, including water quality. However, it is unclear whether the company has conducted any recent risk assessment for its direct operations, and the findings from the previous risk assessment might have changed over time. The company mentioned that by 2025, it would re-evaluate the process for managing water-related risks. The company discloses the regions where it found its facilities were at high-risk only for its US operations. The company mentions it is currently gathering the data for its international operations.

The company does not disclose the % of sites whose average wastewater metrics are in line with the IFC EHS guidelines. The company stated in the CDP Water Report 2023 that it was subject to 4 water-related fines. Furthermore, Tyson disclosed there were 57 notices of violations in 2022 under its compliance metrics - of these, 54 were related to wastewater. The company discloses the water-related OPEX and CAPEX trends.

Tyson acknowledges the need to protect forests and biodiversity under its 'Addressing Deforestation' component of the 2022 Sustainability Report - however, this is not linked with water. Furthermore, the company discuses a transition to regenerative agriculture under a 'Climate Smart Future' - this focuses on emissions rather than water. There is little evidence linking nature and water quality.

The company mentions that in 2017-2018, the company modelled the water stress in the areas where animals were procured for its processing facilities, including nitrogen loading resulting from raising animals and corn feed. The results of the assessment were used to identify priority locations for water stewardship activities. The company mentions that in 2021-2022, the company worked again with WRI to conduct a risk assessment of its international supply chain, using the Aqueduct tool. The company does not disclose the total % of farms included in the assessment, but it seems the company included all its animal sourcing areas. We also recommend the company update the assessment for its domestic operations, as the results might have changed over time.

The company does not disclose information on this.

The company does not disclose information on this.

The company provided evidence of auditing - though this was focussed on animal welfare, not pollution.

The company provided data on the volume of effluents that have undergone primary, secondary and tertiary treatment in the 2023 CDP Water Report. The company treats all the discharged water, including for irrigation. The company stated that it has partnered with NW Natural and BioCarbN to convert biogas from wastewater facilities into renewable gas (RNG). The company stated that 1 plant in Nebraska is online, and a second in Dakota City has been initiated in 2023. The company currently only captures gas within its own facilities.

The company disclosed contextual targets associated with 11 high-risk locations. The company also disclosed a progress update, adding that 7 of these plans have been completed to date.

The company describes its process to prioritise facilities from a water risk perspective. The company looks at whether sourced animals or corn feed contributes to significant nitrogen loading to the watersheds where it has high priority facilities. As part of establishing the contextual water targets for the 11 high-risk US locations, the company stated that it will engage with other parties in the watershed to align Tyson Foods' action with other party needs and concerns surrounding water. However, it is not clear whether this includes contracted livestock farmers. The company disclosed its Local Grain Services Program created to support corn sourcing from farmers in communities where the company operates - farmers receive educational and technical assistance to update processes along with access to industry-leading partners. The company mentions that farmers will also receive funding to adopt practices such as cover crops, nutrient management and reduced tillage. In 2019, the company had a partnership with EDF. The company had set a target to improve land stewardship practices on 2 million acres of row crop corn by the end of 2025. It launched two pilot projects, one of which involved a farm management software program that provides farmers with insights on the value of conservation practices including planting cover crops and improving soil and manure management. Through the same project, the company partnered with the Environmental Defence Fund and Farmers Business Network to provide farmers with technical and agronomic assistance to improve row crop corn yield, with a goal of maximizing positive environmental outcomes. It is unclear whether this is related to the Local Grain Services Program, as the company has not provided an update on the target.

The company is testing the use of Black Soldier Fly Larvae to reduce waste in one of its processing facilities in Malaysia. The company says that the remaining waste is a nutrient rich fertiliser.

The company does not disclose information.

The company does not disclose information.

The company provided a response to the investor letter and responded to the engagement questions. The company met with FAIRR but declined the meeting with investors. The company acknowledged the FAIRR’s assessment and provided feedback.