Tyson Foods Inc
TSN:US US9024941034
Key Information
HQ:
United States
Market Cap:
$21.09bn
Primary Market:
North America
Company Information
Company Summary
Tyson Foods is one of the world's largest food companies. It operates in four reportable segments: beef, pork, chicken and prepared foods. 'Other' primarily incudes its foreign chicken production operations in China and India, third-party merger and integration costs and corporate overhead related to Tyson New Ventures, LLC. It operates a fully vertically integrated chicken production process. Its integrated operations consist of breeding stock, contract growers, feed production, processing, further processing, marketing and transportation of chicken and related products, including animal and pet food ingredients. It also processes live fed cattle and hogs and fabricates dressed beef and pork carcasses into primal and sub-primal meat cuts, case-ready beef and pork and fully cooked meats.
Revenue
Total revenue:
$47.0bn
Revenue by Geography
Revenue by Protein
Revenue by Product Type
Disclosures
CDP ScoresLast Reviewed: 11/10/2023
| CDP Climate | CDP Forests | CDP Water |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
Science Based Target initiativeLast Reviewed: 03/10/2023
| Target classification | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2°C | Targets Set | 2018 |
Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index
Analysis Overview
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Deforestation & Biodiversity Water Use & Scarcity Waste & Pollution Antibiotics Animal Welfare Working Conditions Food Safety Sustainability Governance Alternative Proteins
Analysis Breakdown
Risk Score
44/100
Medium Risk
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
34/100
Scope 1, 2 & 3 Target
25/100
Type of Target
The company discloses the science-based target to reduce 30% of absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions and reduce Scope 3 emissions from poultry, pork, and beef production by 30% per ton of finished meat, compared to a 2016 base year. As per the SBTi website, the Scope 3 emission commitment covers 80% of Scope 3 inventory and aims to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions from the production of poultry, pork and beef by 30% per ton of finished meat by 2030 from a 2016 base-year.
0/0.5
Strength of Target - SBT
The company discloses that the target set is aligned with prior climate goals of minimising global temperature rise to 2.0°C. It has announced its goal to become net zero by 2050. However, it has not committed to setting an SBTi-validated Net Zero Target.
1.25/4.5
Innovation on GHG Emission Reduction
40/100
Innovation to Reduce Agriculture Emissions
The company discloses it aims to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by its supply chain when collaborating by encouraging corn farmers to adopt best practices focused on soil health, water quality and conservation, nutrient stewardship and wildlife habitat. It has a land stewardship target for providing environmental practices on 2 million acres of row crop corn by the end of 2025. This also includes the efforts to purchase 100% feed from growers engaged in climate-smart practices by 2030. It also has a third-party sustainability verification programme for beef suppliers, BeefCARE, where farmers use farming practices to prevent soil erosion and promote vegetative diversity to support carbon sequestration in soil.
1/1
Feed Farming Innovation
The company created the Local Grain Services (LGS) programme to help farmers adopt climate-smart practices on row crop land. The participants will receive funding to adopt new practices such as cover crops, nutrient management and reduced tillage.
1/2
Animal Farming Innovation
The company discloses that it has launched a MYFARMS programme that supports farmers adopting conservation practices. However, it does not mention reducing emissions as a project goal or outline any innovative projects it is undertaking.
0/2
Quality of GHG Inventory
39/100
Quality and scope of GHG inventory Completeness
The company discloses Scope 1 emissions of 3,826,285.87 metric tonnes and Scope 2 emissions of 1,956,287.43 metric tonnes in the reporting year. It has a full Scope 3 inventory using FY2019 data. The data includes the US operation, which accounts for 96% of revenues in FY 2022, so the geographic scope is specified and applies across 3/4 of operations.
1.43/1.5
Feed & Animal Farming Emissions
The company discloses in its CDP Climate Questionnaire that in FY2022, there were zero carbon dioxide emissions from land use management.
0/2
Transparency of GHG Inventory
The company responded to the CDP Climate questionnaire in 2023. It discloses that the emissions data is not verified by a third-party.
0.5/1.5
Emissions Performance
50/100
Overall Emission Performance
The company reports that its GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) decreased by 0.34% from 5,782,573.3 metric tons in FY2021 to 5,763,029.84 in FY2022.
2.5/5
Climate-related Scenario Analysis
15/100
Climate-related Scenarios Analysis Conducted
The company has discussed scenario analysis in response to the CDP Climate Change Questionnaire 2023. The discussion describes how the company used the 2DS scenario to inform its science-based emissions reduction target. It also discusses several sources and tools used to estimate cradle-to-farm gate emissions. However, it does not appear to be a discussion on how it analysed the resilience of its business model vis-a-vis a future global scenario. The company's discussion is focused on an emissions target and carbon accounting rather than the resilience of the company's business model in various future climate-related scenarios. It has begun a mapping exercise against TCFD requirements to refine its scenario analysis in the coming months.
0/1
Disclosure of Analysis Results on Material Risks
Tyson recognises that extreme weather and precipitation changes could lead to fluctuations in the availability of feed grains and hurt earnings. However, it does not mention how it will mitigate this specific risk. It says that excessive cold or heat could impair the health or growth of its livestock but does not disclose any mitigation measures. It lists increased energy costs as a general risk for its operations but does not list its mitigation plans.
0.75/3
Disclosure of Financial Material Events & Alignment of CAPEX
The company does not disclose its commitment to align capital expenditures with its GHG targets.
0/1
Deforestation & Biodiversity
58/100
Deforestation/Conversion-free Target - Soy for Animal Feed
73/100
Risk Assessment to Identify High-risk Locations
The company mentions in its CDP Forests Report that it spends between 1-5% of its procurement spend on buying soy as feed. Further, it states it is committed to responsibly sourcing soy. It purchases RTRS-certified soy credits to ensure responsibly raised soy is used to feed chickens that may be sourced from high-risk areas. In 2019, it conducted a risk assessment via Proforest, an independent organisation focused on sustainability in the forest and agricultural sectors and implementing responsible sourcing practices to identify deforestation risks related to soy and other commodities. As part of the risk assessment, the sourcing origins for soy were determined as 2.72% from Brazil, a high-risk country, 95.88% from other countries and 1.4% as unknown. The company discloses that 95.88% of soy it sources can be traced to areas not classified by CDP as forest-risk countries. Therefore, 100% soy is not sourced from deforestation-free regions.
0.25/0.5
Strength of Deforestation Commitment
The company has a time-bound commitment to procure 100% responsibly sourced, deforestation-free soy applicable to its global supply chain – including direct and embedded soy. The deadline for direct suppliers is 2025, and for embedded soy is 2030. The cut-off date for the commitment is 2020.
0.9/2
Regional & Operational Coverage of Commitment
The commitment applies to both direct and indirectly sourced (embedded) soy and all sourcing regions at risk of deforestation.
1.25/1.25
Transparency - Progress Against Commitment
The company states that it has achieved its target of sourcing 100% soy with Roundtable for Sustainable Soy (RTRS) certification. It discloses that it is a member of the RTRS, a third-party certification scheme, and states that 0.08% of soybean meal is RTRS-certified. Further, it responded to the CDP Forests Questionnaire 2022.
1.25/1.25
Deforestation/Conversion-free Target - Cattle
72/100
Risk Assessment to Identify High-risk Locations
The company recognises the need to protect forests and biodiversity and reduce its deforestation impact. In 2019, it engaged with Proforest, an independent organisation focused on sustainability in the woods and agricultural sectors, to conduct a deforestation risk assessment across its global agriculture supply chain, including cattle. The assessment results showed that more than 95% of its cattle and beef sourcing was at low risk for deforestation due to the scale of US sourcing for domestic operations. Of the remainder, 0.11% of cattle comes from Brazil, a high-risk location; 4.19% from Australia; 0.01% from Nicaragua; 0.01% from Mexico and 0.36% unknown.
0.5/0.5
Strength of Deforestation Commitment
The company has set a target of zero gross deforestation or no deforestation between 2026-2030. It has established a cut-off and target sourcing dates for procuring verified deforestation-free cattle and beef. The target date for Australasia and Latin America is 2028, based on its most recent CDP disclosure. The cut-off date for all regions is 2020. Further, Australia has set a goal to transition sourcing to deforestation-free by 31 December 2028 completely. The cut-off date for this commitment is 30 September 2020.
1.6/2
Regional & Operational Coverage of Commitment
The company's commitment on deforestation-free sourcing of beef is universal, and it applies to both its own operations and suppliers.
0.75/1.25
Transparency - Progress Against Commitment
The company states that 40% of beef's total production/consumption volume is certified by the Progressive Beef programme, and 100% of the total production/consumption of Tanned hides is certified by the Working Group - LWG Audit Protocol. Further, it responded to the CDP Forests Questionnaire 2022.
0.75/1.25
Engagement, Monitoring & Traceability - Soy for Animal Feed
55/100
Supplier Engagement
The company expects its suppliers to meet certain conditions for preventing deforestation, such as no supply from areas of deforestation, work within credible forest protection frameworks, and provide traceability to farms or plantations of origin such as certification, geospatial, or other supply chain mapping and blockchain. It finalised commodity action plans for soy in FY2021, stating that each action plan will include goals/targets and associated timeframes which inform decision-making about the responsible sourcing of commodities. However, it does not detail how this supplier engagement reduces deforestation risk. FAIRR recommends improved disclosure of its commodity action plans.
0.19/1.25
Compliance monitoring & Traceability
The company discloses that it will undertake regular progress monitoring, including an annual review by senior management. This includes a system to monitor and address supplier alignment with its expectations. However, it has not disclosed any details about how it will monitor supplier compliance with its deforestation target. It also purchases RTRS-certified soy credits for soybean meal used to feed chickens that may be sourced from high-risk areas. However, this certification does not apply to soybean meal purchased for all animal feed. It expects suppliers to make the changes necessary to meet the requirements by the target sourcing dates. However, suppliers who do not adhere to these expectations will be evaluated and encouraged to implement programmes that align with the company's goals and targets on deforestation. In addition, a transition period will be established for any subsequent business acquisitions to ensure adherence within a defined timeframe. It discloses that 100% of soy volume is traceable to the crushing facility. However, it does not have insight into the domestic region where a specific soybean was grown. Crushing facilities often source locally but may also purchase soybeans from other areas or be unwilling to share the information.
2.31/3.25
Feed Innovation
The company works with row crop corn farmers to improve land stewardship, including soil health, water quality and conservation, nutrient stewardship and wildlife habitat. It targets to support these practices on 2 million acres of row crop by 2025, with efforts to purchase 100% of its feed from growers engaged in climate-smart practices by 2030. Notably, it had a target date to implement these practices on 2 million acres of corn by 2020 but has since extended this target date.
0.25/0.5
Engagement, Monitoring & Traceability - Cattle
33/100
Supplier Engagement
The company expects its cattle suppliers to meet certain conditions for preventing deforestation, such as no supply from areas of deforestation, work within credible forest protection frameworks and provide traceability to farm or plantation of origin such as certification, geospatial or other supply chain mapping and blockchain. Further, it is working to verify sustainable beef production practices on grazing lands beyond the initial 5-million-acre target previously set. Cattle are sourced from ranchers verified by BeefCARE, an independent third-party auditor, to verify that farmers and ranchers use best practices in caring for animals and the environment. However, it is unclear if the programme addresses deforestation.
0.25/1.25
Compliance monitoring & Traceability
The company mentions that it will regularly monitor progress, including an annual review by senior management. This includes a system to monitor and address supplier alignment with its expectations. However, it has not disclosed any details about how it will monitor supplier compliance with its deforestation target. It expects suppliers to make the necessary changes to meet the requirements by the target sourcing dates. However, suppliers who do not adhere to these expectations will be evaluated and encouraged to implement programmes that align with the company's goals and targets on deforestation. In addition, a transition period will be established for any subsequent business acquisitions to ensure adherence within a defined timeframe. The disclosure does not refer to indirect farmers. It discloses that 100% of cattle products are traceable to the slaughterhouse. It states that its tracking and monitoring system for live cattle can track each group purchased, up to 1,000 head. Each group is harvested at the time, and the company's source of origin data is reported to market news reporting services. Additionally, through some of its premium beef programmes, it has full traceability back to the cattle’s origin of birth. Further, it has not been linked to deforestation in the reporting year.
1.25/3.5
Feed Innovation
Through its Climate-Smart Beef initiative, the company works with some of its cattle suppliers to improve land stewardship, including soil health, water quality and conservation, nutrient stewardship and wildlife habitat. However, the results of the initiative are not disclosed.
0.13/0.25
Water Use & Scarcity
29/100
Water Use & Scarcity in Facilities
46/100
Monitoring Water Consumption & Withdrawals
The company mentions conducting a water risk assessment and developing a water stewardship strategy. The company discloses the names of all eleven facilities identified as water risk areas. It provides a high-level discussion on water-saving measures and announces its total water consumption in the reporting period.
0.6/0.75
Target to Reduce Water Consumption & Withdrawals
The company discloses a target to reduce water use intensity per production unit by 2025 against a baseline from FY2018. It further discloses that it has achieved a 67% reduction compared to a 2018 baseline. Tyson has set site-specific water intensity targets.
0.4/1
Disclosure & Performance of Water Risks in Facilities
The company discloses total water withdrawals and withdrawals by source for the last reporting year. Its CDP Water 2022 covers data for the company's US operations only. Tyson mentions that eleven facilities are located in water-stress areas. It also reports the volume of water withdrawals at each of these facilities. It has disclosed its water-related capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the reporting year and reports a 10% reduction in water-related CAPEX. It states that it anticipates no change in CAPEX in the future. Tyson has also disclosed its water-related OPEX for the reporting year and reported a 1% increase in OPEX from the last year. It anticipates this to increase by a further 1% going forward. It has responded to the CDP Water Security questionnaire in 2022. Both water consumption and water withdrawal increased from the previous reporting period.
1.3/3.25
Water Use & Scarcity in Feed Farming
12/100
Supplier Engagement in Water Use in Feed Farming
The company discloses that it plans to set supply chain water stewardship targets, including corn and other feed crops used in feed. However, this is not a clear water reduction target, and the company still needs to define a timeline for setting the target. It discloses that it seeks to optimise sustainable land stewardship practices in row crops by supporting and incentivising farmers and other agricultural producers to strengthen water stewardship. However, it does not provide any further updates in the reporting year. It partnered with the World Resources Institute (WRI) to assess water risk and develop a water stewardship strategy across its processing facilities and animal and corn suppliers. The water risk assessment focused on exposure to water stress and risk of nutrient loss, where the company sources corn to feed animals in its supply chain. The evaluation included irrigated and rainfed corn feed but did not include other agricultural inputs like soybeans. The company notes that corn and soy are often sourced from the exact locations, so soy is partially and indirectly included in this analysis. As a result of this analysis, the company has identified and prioritised certain high-risk facilities, including corn suppliers, and is setting supply chain water stewardship targets.
0.6/2.5
Disclosure of Water Risks in Feed Farming
The company states that it does not collect information relating to water intensity for soy or corn production. It discloses that 1-10% of chicken products are sourced from water-stressed areas. Tyson also states that it knows the proportion of cattle and maize sourced from water-stressed regions but does not disclose a figure. It does not disclose the proportion of feed sources from water-stressed areas. In previous years, the company announced a goal to support climate-smart practices on 2 million acres of row crops by 2025. However, it is unclear whether water security improvements are a goal of this initiative.
0/2.5
Water Use & Scarcity in Animal Farming
29/100
Supplier Engagement in Water Use in Animal Farming
The company reports that 1-10% of the poultry is produced from water-stressed areas. However, it does not include information on pork produced in water-stressed regions. It has developed contextual water management plans for its high-risk facilities. However, these only apply to processing facilities instead of animal farming operations. The company also states that it routinely sources cattle from ranchers verified by BeefCARE‚Ñ¢, with one consideration of the BeefCARE‚Ñ¢ programme being water management.
0.63/3
Disclosure of Water Risks in Animal Farming
The company discloses that it partnered with the World Resources Institute (WRI) to assess water risk and develop a water stewardship strategy across its processing facilities and animal suppliers. The water risk assessment focused on exposure to water stress and risk of nutrient loss, where the company sources animals for its processing facilities. Tyson is now using this analysis to set supply chain water stewardship targets. However, the company does not address water stress in the company's farming operations.
0.8/2
Waste & Pollution
28/100
Wastewater at Facilities
38/100
Disclosure & Targets for Wastewater Quality & Volume Discharged
The company discloses one acceptable worth US$350,000 for non-compliance with water permit discharge in one of the operations. So far, the company has set reduction targets at six of the eleven high-risk locations identified by its water-related risk assessment. The assessment was conducted with water quality as one of the five parameters. However, the locations with high water stress from a quality perspective are not disclosed.
0.68/1.5
Transparency on Water Pollution Risks
The company discloses that it regularly measures and monitors water discharge quality by standard effluent parameters. However, the company does not disclose the quantitative figures. It discloses the volume of water discharged in the last reporting year. However, it does not verify any water information reported in the CDP disclosure. Tyson responded to the CDP Water Security questionnaire in 2022.
0.71/2
Performance on Wastewater Quality & Volume Discharged
The company uses its by-products to produce biofuels, feed and fertilisers. It discloses that water discharge increased in the reporting year.
0.5/1.5
Nutrient Management in Feed Farming
29/100
Supplier Engagement in Nutrient Pollution Risks
The company does not disclose whether it addresses nutrient management plans in its code of conduct. However, it states it will optimise land stewardship practices to reduce the water quality impacts associated with key agricultural commodities. Tyson says that it supports feed farmers to improve economically and environmentally. It has set a target to improve land stewardship practices on 2 million acres of row crop corn by the end of 2025. The company engaged with Farmers Business Network and Environmental Defense Fund to execute pilot projects.
1.45/4
Innovation to Improve Nutrient Management in Feed Farming
The company does not invest in sustainable feed production to improve nutrient management or disclose information about pesticide use in its feed supply chain.
0/1
Manure Management in Animal Farming
17/100
Disclosure of Pollution Risks from Manure
The company discusses encouraging farmers to use sustainable nutrient management practices and educating them on responsible litter management. The company also mentions that in some production locations, it has covered manure lagoons that capture biogas for use in some plant boilers, thereby reducing GHG emissions. The company has disclosed high-priority operations exposed to water risk from a quality and quantity perspective.
0.59/1.25
Supplier Engagement in Manure Management
The company encourages farmers to implement efficient land and nutrient management practices. However, it is unclear if a third party verifies these plans.
0.28/1.5
Innovation to Improve Nutrient Management in Animal Farming
The company discloses that it has redistributed tons of poultry litter out of the Illinois River Watershed, which covers parts of eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, to areas with less density of nutrients. However, it does not disclose evidence of a community engagement plan.
0/2.25
Antibiotics
45/100
Policy on Antibiotics Use
90/100
Policy on Antibiotics Use
The company commits to minimising antibiotic use in its supply chain, refraining from their use for disease prevention and implementing antibiotic alternatives such as probiotics and essential oils. It prioritises biosecurity, sanitation, vaccination, and animal welfare to mitigate disease. However, growth promoters are still utilised in some North American operations, and medically important antibiotics are used when necessary under veterinary supervision.
4.5/5
Disclosure of Quantity of Antibiotics Used
0/100
Disclosure of Quantity of Antibiotics Used
The company does not disclose the quantity of antibiotics used.
0/5
Animal Welfare
33/100
Animal Welfare Policy
57/100
Welfare Policy
The company commits to ethical animal care through its Five Domains framework and mandates humane treatment by suppliers. It requires animal care training for all team members interacting with live animals and has an audit system to ensure compliance, involving corrective action plans and disciplinary measures. The company collaborates with professionals and institutions, operating specialised research farms and forming partnerships to advance animal welfare. However, whether these programmes are uniformly applied across all operations is unclear.
1.75/2
Key Welfare Issues
The company commits to open pen systems for all pigs, with a transition for sows also underway. Cattle benefit from open pens, and the majority of poultry are cage-free. It adheres to North American Meat Institute (NAMI) guidelines and uses Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS) for humane slaughter. However, there is no commitment to avoiding routine mutilation or explicit limits on long-distance transportation. While the eight-hour target for animal transportation is noted, it is a goal rather than an absolute commitment. Consistency of these welfare practices across all business operations is not clarified. The measures align more with industry standards than with an enriched environment. The company does not commit to avoiding breeds that exhibit production traits leading to pronounced anatomical or metabolic issues.
1.1/3
Assurance & Certification
10/100
Auditing & Assurance by an Animal Welfare Organisation
The company conducts internal and third-party audits across its US plants for chicken, beef, pork, and turkey and in chicken hatcheries. Audits involve animal welfare specialists and utilise programmes like FarmCheck. It also adheres to Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) guidelines for cattle feed yards and livestock markets. The Common Swine Industry Audit platform, certified by PAACO, is employed for pork.
0.5/4
Public Reporting on Welfare
The company does not disclose the percentage of animals raised in enhanced welfare environments.
0/1
Performance on Key Material Risks
31/100
Performance on Key Material Welfare Risks by Protein
The company commits to limiting transport times to eight hours and ensuring humane slaughter. It also transitions to an open pen gestation system and employs Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS) in some poultry operations. However, the company sometimes exceeds its eight-hour transport limit, lacks detail on anaesthetics during dehorning and outdoor grass access, and continues to use gestation crates. Guidelines on duration in gestation crates, tail docking, and enrichment must be clarified. Specifics on poultry stocking density, high welfare breeds, perch space, lighting, and air quality are omitted, and no information is disclosed for laying hens.
1.56/5
Working Conditions
50/100
Human Rights
35/100
Strength of Policy
The company commits in writing to follow the human rights principles outlined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
1/1
Due Diligence Process
The company plans to conduct a more detailed human rights assessment across the enterprise to evaluate risks and implement due diligence and risk mitigation efforts. However, as of FY2022, the company must complete a human rights due diligence assessment. The company also discloses its social compliance program that began in 2015. The program's key elements include maintaining a social compliance committee, self-assessment questionnaires and using a reputable third-party firm to provide audit services such as SMETA. However, the company does not disclose its approach to identifying the following action steps and related responsibilities.
Regarding risk mitigation, the company discloses that employees' rights are further strengthened through regular communication, including annual compliance training, its Social Compliance auditing programme and the Ethics Help Line. The company provides training on human rights topics such as its Code of Conduct, anti-bribery compliance and workplace harassment. However, the company does not disclose risk mitigation and remediation for its supply chain.
0.5/3
Evidence of Remediation
The company's FY2022 social compliance programme assessed 46 of its production facilities and found risks relating to health and safety requirements, working hours and historical noncompliance pertaining to environmental issues. The company has not disclosed any information related to assessments, preventative or remediation measures.
0.25/1
Fair Working Conditions
75/100
Policy for Direct Operations
The company commits in writing to prohibit child labour, forced labour, harassment and discrimination and expects suppliers to do the same. The company uses the SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) to audit its production facilities in the US. These audits include all the selected policy areas. The company has a paid sick leave policy, which provides 20 hours of sick leave annually to fully vaccinated workers in its US operations. However, this policy does not apply to temporary or part-time workers. Also, the company does not report on its sick pay policy in operating markets outside the US or commit to promoting fair wages.
2.08/3
Monitoring & Discosure
The company discloses that it conducts social compliance auditing, based on the SMETA criteria, for select suppliers.
The company has an ethics helpline number and online platform (Tell Tyson First) for its employees to anonymously report suspected violations of the Code of Conduct or the law. It also operates independent, 24-hour phone and web lines that suppliers can access and report concerns anonymously. However, there does not be evidence that the company involves employees, their representatives or other stakeholders in the design or evaluation of the channel. The company received 13,953 allegations through its ethics line. It also disaggregates these grievances into categories: health and safety, discrimination and harassment, corruption and employee practices. The company reports that 83% of these were unsubstantiated after investigation.
1.69/2
Safety & Turnover Data
34/100
Committee representation of workers
The company is committed to improving the health and safety of its employees and strives for zero injuries and illnesses. The company discloses that its plants have a health and safety committee, and employee representatives are members. The committee meets at least monthly and sometimes even more frequently. However, the company does not disclose the percentage of facilities with these committees. Furthermore, the company has not disclosed any health and safety-related certification for the reporting year. The data covers US operations, which account for 87.32% of the workforce. The company discloses that its plants have a health and safety committee, and employee representatives are members. However, the company does not disclose the percentage of facilities with these committees.
0.48/2
Disclosure of safety and turnover data
The company's recordable incident rate improved from 2.73 in FY2021 to 2.59 in FY2022. However, the total number of fatalities reported by the company has increased from two in FY2021 to seven in FY2022. The company also discloses a real turnover rate of 46% and a voluntary turnover rate of 32% in FY2022. These figures only cover the company's US operations.
1.2/3
Freedom of Association
55/100
Strength of Policies
The company provides a basic statement supporting employees' rights to freedom of association, but no measures taken to defend rights are disclosed. Overall, 42,000 out of the 142,000 company employees are covered by a trade union or a collective bargaining agreement. The company also expects suppliers to respect employees' right to associate, organise, and bargain collectively freely.
1.5/3
Disclosure of Collective Bargaining Metrics
The company discloses that 35,000 in the US and 7,000 employees in foreign countries were subject to collective bargaining agreements in the reporting year. The company also announces the proportion of its workforce that is full-time, part-time, and paid by the hour. However, the company does not include details of sub-contracted employees.
1.24/2
Food Safety
63/100
Food Safety System
70/100
Certifications
The company publishes all food safety certifications on its website, including SQF and HACCP. Here, various letters of guarantee dated 2023 confirm that all Tyson Fresh Meats facilities have developed and implemented Food Safety and Quality Systems that comply with the GFSI requirements. Further, the letters state that all plants have achieved certification to the current BRC Global Standard for Food Safety. It discloses that suppliers must be committed to a high level of food safety and must comply with regulations and standards relevant to their operations as set forth by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All suppliers must also be certified by GFSI. 98.2% of supplier facilities and Tyson plants producing edible human food are GFSI certified. Therefore, it is assumed that over two-thirds of suppliers have GFSI-recognised certification.
3.25/3.5
Performance
The company reports that the corporate food safety teams, plant food safety teams, and third-party auditors conduct frequent audits. It also discloses a comprehensive list of its beef, pork and poultry plants that have been audited. On its website, two letters of guarantee dated 2023 confirm that Tyson Fresh Meats facilities are audited annually by an independent third party. However, these documents are for beef operations only. The company is encouraged to clarify its disclosure. It discloses that GFSI certification is achieved after audits are completed, and 100% corrective actions suggested by the independent auditors are implemented. However, it does not disclose the rate of corrective actions in the reporting period. Suppliers communicate with the company using the FoodLogiQ Connection Manage+Monitor module. This platform provides traceability of its supply chain and serves as a portfolio for suppliers to share FSQA documents and other information. The company is working with them on developing a system to support overall food safety and quality risk management. However, this does not appear to be a consumer-facing food safety technology.
0.25/1.5
Product Recalls & Market Bans
55/100
Product Recall Systems
The company acknowledges that product recalls are a material risk to the business as they may damage its reputation and impact the company's financial results. Its Food Safety and Audits webpage states it takes product recalls related to foreign material very seriously. However, it does not confirm it has a product recall system nor provide any protocol details. There were zero product recalls in FY2022.
2.25/3
Performance
The company did not disclose information on market bans in the reporting period, and none were detected in the media screening.
0.5/2
Sustainability Governance
59/100
Assessment of a Company's Sustainability Governance
59/100
Board Sustainability
The company discloses that the Governance and Nominating Committee, composed of three directors, assists the board with overseeing corporate responsibility and sustainability matters, including environmental, social and governance issues affecting the company. In addition, the company conducts a materiality assessment and discloses the results via a sustainability materiality matrix. It states food safety, animal welfare and management, antibiotics, ethics and occupational health and safety as its top material issues. Furthermore, the company reports holding board-level expertise in innovation rather than sustainability or food safety.
0.88/2
Incentives & Policy Engagement
The company does not have climate-related incentives, but executive compensation is linked to diversity, health and safety and talent development goals. These metrics can affect performance incentive payments by plus or minus 5%.
The company is engaging with the International Consortium on Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture, the International Poultry Welfare Alliance, the Global Coalition for Animal Welfare, the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, the US Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and the US Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs, in areas of responsible antibiotic usage and animal welfare. The company also discloses some details of industry group memberships but does not disclose if it aligns any policy-engagement activities to restrict global temperature rise to 1.5C.
1.55/2.5
Innovation & Benchmarking
Through Tyson Ventures, a company subsidiary, the company invests in startups and companies with breakthrough ideas and innovations. The focus of this subsidiary is to invest in innovation related to emerging proteins, technology geared towards traceability, safety and automation and solutions that create a more responsible food system through animal welfare, waste management, packaging and land stewardship. In addition, the company discloses that it conducts a thorough benchmarking study of its sustainability program and progress against peer companies. Based on this analysis, a materiality index is identified.
0.5/0.5
Alternative Proteins
55/100
Diversification of Products to Alternative Protein Sources
55/100
Existing product portfolio
The company aims to embed alternative proteins across consumer demographics, geographies and brands. However, the external communications on this issue are fairly consumer-driven and unrelated to the strategic need to diversify protein sources. Further, it does not disclose that it has yet set a timebound target to diversify protein sources, nor does it report sales/revenue linked to alternative protein sources.
0.25/2.5
Investing for future growth
The company has three new plant-based products under its own brand: Tyson Plant-Based Nuggets, Tenders and Filets. It also has a dedicated plant-based and blended products brand under its "Raised and Rooted" brand, launched in 2019 for the US and European markets. The brand offers products made of pea protein, including nuggets, crispy and grilled filets, wholegrain tenders, buffalo-style and sweet barbeque bites, bratwurst-style sausages, burgers and ground mince. Further, it is expanding its alternative protein offering in the Asia Pacific market. In 2021, it debuted several plant-based products to Malaysian consumers under the existing household brand, "First Pride", with the initial launch offering frozen bites, nuggets and strips made from regionally sourced ingredients, including bamboo fibre, soy protein and wheat protein. The company discloses that Tyson Ventures, a US$150 million R&D fund, invests in promising entrepreneurial food industry businesses. Its website mentions four venture investments in emerging protein companies: Future Meat Technologies, Memphis Meats, Myco Technologies and New Wave Foods. However, it has not provided any update on the amount invested this year in alternative proteins and is encouraged to do so. It discusses its R&D capabilities in the context of product innovation to meet the growing demand for alternative proteins, citing plant-based and blended product lines, including Raised & Rooted and Aidells.
2.5/2.5
Workstream Information
2023 Risk Score:
44/100
Level:
Medium Risk
Ranking:
17/60
Main Protein:
Multiple
Assessed Proteins:
Beef, Poultry and eggs, Pork
Company Feedback Given:
Yes
Last Updated:
31 October 2023
2023 Resources
2023/24 Index Report Summary (Mandarin) 报告总结摘要（中文） Launch of the Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index 2023/24 2023/24 Company Dialogue Questions 2023/24 Full Report Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index
Coller FAIRR Climate Risk Tool
Analysis Overview
Cost Increase
Cost Increase
EBIT Margin
Cost Increase (%)
60%
40%
20%
0%
-20%
-40%
-60%
Net Zero Aligned
BAU
High Climate Impact
Workstream Information
Last Updated:
5 April 2023
2023/24 Resources
Walkthrough Video 2023 Public Report 2023 (English) Public Report 2023 (Mandarin) Coller FAIRR Climate Risk Tool
Working Conditions Engagement
Analysis Overview
Grievance Mechanisms Economic Incentives Distribution by Contract Type Oversight of Governance Structure Support Worker Representation Engage Workers on Industry Trends
Analysis Breakdown
Health & Safety
Partial
Grievance Mechanisms - Availability & Access
Tyson reports public information on the company's grievance mechanisms: its 24/7 hotline, "Ethics Help Line", and its online platform “TellTysonFirst.”
The Ethics Help Line is publicly available on Tyson’s website. Tyson expressly condemns retaliation toward workers who report grievances. Company disclosure on both mechanisms indicates good accessibility and availability, including multiple language support and the option for anonymous reporting. However, FAIRR notes that the TellTysonFirst platform includes a statement that Tyson prefers workers to identify themselves, which could deter workers from reporting an issue when they wish to remain anonymous.
Good
Grievance Mechanisms - Effectiveness & Evaluation
The company does not provide disclosure on how it evaluates the effectiveness of its grievance channel.
Did Not Find
Grievance Mechanisms - Categories & Reporting
The company discloses that it received 13,953 total allegations in FY2022, of which 5,641 were reported through the company's Ethics Line. The company reports grievances across the following categories: corruption or bribery, discrimination or harassment, customer privacy data, conflicts of interest, money laundering or insider trading, health and safety, employment practices (employee matters), and other. Employment practices comprised 76% (10,546) of the total allegations received, with health and safety, other, and discrimination or harassment comprising 11% (1,546), 8.7% (1,207), and 8.6% (1,197) of the cases, respectively. The company does not specify what types of reports may fit into the broad “employment practices” category.
Good
Grievance Mechanisms - Channels for H&S and Worker Rights
The company's public disclosure now clarifies that health and safety is a category covered by its grievance mechanisms. Further, users of the grievance channel are able report violations of the company’s code of conduct, which includes a respect for human rights.
Good
Grievance Mechanisms - Resolution Process
Tyson discloses that grievance reports received through the Ethics Line are transferred to the Ethic & Compliance Department for assessment. The department will also assign an investigator or refer the grievance to a relevant Tyson team member for resolution. However, the company does not discuss further details of the investigation or resolution procedure, including how it substantiates reports or how it would determine appropriate remediation.
Partial
Economic Incentives - Sick Pay Entitlement
Tyson discloses its sick pay policy, which provides 20 hours of paid sick leave annually to fully vaccinated workers in its US operations. This policy does not apply to temporary or part-time workers, who instead can access short-term disability pay for “up to 13 weeks” after a five-day waiting period. The company does not report on its sick pay policy in operating markets outside the US.
Partial
Economic Incentives - Other Economic Incentives
The company does not disclose the other economic incentives it makes available to workers.
Did Not Find
Fair Working Conditions
Partial
Distribution by Contract Type
Tyson discloses the proportion of its US workforce in full-time (98.19%) and part-time (1.81%) positions for FY2022. It also reports that 10.89% of its US workforce is salaried, and 89.11% is paid hourly. However, the company does not report the size of its subcontracted workforce or details of its workforce outside the US.
Partial
Oversight of Governance Structure
The company reports that the Governance and Nominating Committee advises the Board on ESG matters affecting the company. However, it is unclear what specific information and/or data related to the workforce is reported to the Board.
Low
Worker Representation
Low
Support Worker Representation - Internal & External Structures
Board-level representation
Tyson does not disclose having direct or indirect worker representation at the board level.
Internal committees
Tyson reports having employee-led business resource groups responsible for assisting with diversity and inclusion. However, it does not disclose whether these groups are made up of elected representatives or how they function to represent worker issues.
Tyson reports that many of its plants have safety and ergonomic committees in place, which include hourly employees. It is unclear whether committee members are elected by workers and how many sites have these committees in place.
Dialogue with trade unions
Tyson does not report evidence of regular union dialogues or disclose the size of its unionised workforce separately to CBA coverage.
Low
Support Worker Representation - Restrictions Under Law
Tyson Foods has operations in China where employee representation is restricted under law but does not comment on what alternative structures it makes available for worker representation.
Did Not Find
Support Worker Representation - Operations in China
N/A
Support Worker Representation - Collective Bargaining
The company reports that approximately 33,000 employees in the US and 6,000 employees outside the US were subject to CBAs as of Q4 FY2023. Tyson does not disclose a plant-by-plant breakdown of its workers’ CBA coverage, nor does it provide a country-specific breakdown of the CBA coverage of its non-US-based workers.
Partial
Engage Workers on Industry Trends - Impact assessment on Employees
Automation
Tyson reports expanding the digital monitoring of its production lines to allow for improved manufacturing data tracking and sharing across plants, with the aim of approved efficiency and productivity. Further, it states it is investing, through Tyson Ventures, in technologies that enhance traceability, worker safety, and automation. However, the company does not report having conducted a social risk assessment of the potential impacts of its automation strategy on its workforce.
Climate risk
Tyson has set SBTs across Scopes 1, 2 & 3 to reduce GHG emissions by 2030 in line with a 2°C warming scenario, which it has committed to resetting to align with 1.5°C. Further, the company reports working with cattle ranchers and crop farmers in its supply chain to encourage them through educational, technical, and monetary assistance to adopt “climate-smart” practices. However, Tyson does not disclose evidence of a social risk assessment on the impacts of its climate mitigation strategy on its workforce.
Low
Engage Workers on Industry Trends - Workforce Engagement
Tyson discloses that it conducted a materiality assessment in 2021 in consultation with core stakeholders, including salaried and hourly employees. However, whilst the materiality matrix covers sustainability issues, it is unclear if stakeholders were engaged on the social implications of the company's automation strategy and climate change mitigation strategy. It is also unclear whether this is a one-off consultation or will become a regular practice.
Low
Engage Workers on Industry Trends - Just Transition
The company does not publicly state support for a Just Transition in the food sector.
Did Not Find
Workstream Information
YoY Performance:
Increased Disclosure
Index Working Conditions Score:
50/100
Assessed Proteins:
Beef, Poultry & eggs, Pork
Last Updated:
18 March 2024
2023 Resources
Phase 3 | Progress Report Working Conditions Engagement
Waste & Pollution Engagement
Analysis Overview
Risk Assessment Value Chain Coverage Risk Mitigation Circularity Company Engagement
Summary
Tyson Foods stopped disclosing information about its support towards moving manure out of the Illinois River watershed to less nutrient dense areas, which was discussed previously.
Analysis Breakdown
Risk Assessment
Medium
Coverage of water quality risk assessment
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.
Transparency and disclosure of water quality indicators
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.
Recognition of nutrient pollution risk on biodiversity
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.
Value Chain Coverage
Poor
Inclusion of upstream feed and livestock suppliers in risk assessment
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.
Downstream use of manure by animal feed suppliers
The company does not disclose information on this.
Acknowledgment of regulatory risks
The company does not disclose information on this.
Transparency on non-compliance from suppliers
The company provided evidence of auditing - though this was focussed on animal welfare, not pollution.
Risk Mitigation
Medium
Biogas generation and organic fertilisers from animal waste
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.
Target-setting for water quality
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.
Support to third-party suppliers
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.
Circularity
Medium
Pilot projects around nutrient circularity
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.
Disclosure of investment in circular solutions
The company does not disclose information.
Targets to increase share of manure under circular initiatives
The company does not disclose information.
Company Engagement
Medium
Level of company engagement with the coalition
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.
Workstream Information
2024/25 level
Poor
Index Waste & Pollution Score:
28/100
Assessed Proteins:
Beef, Poultry and eggs, Pork
Last Updated:
26 June 2024
2024/25 Resources
Waste & Pollution Engagement